Elijah Hooper

A shining light went out in our personal universes last Friday when Elijah O’Brien Hooper left us to begin his next journey.

A deep sadness and sorrow envelop us, silencing speech; yet remembrance of the radiance and vitality of Eli will in time lighten and brighten our spirits and usher us thru this time of grief.

We so much will miss our son, brother, husband, father, nephew, cousin, partner, friend, colleague and fellow traveler. Your unique engaging personality charmed and warmed the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure of making your acquaintance.

Elijah died from complications of his multiple sclerosis. Right until the end he was forging forward, relentless in his pursuit of finding a personal cure - not allowing the autoimmune disease to dictate the terms of his days. There were times when it brought him to his knees, but he always rose.

Details of his unexpected last hour are not important, it suffices to just know he has departed. Carol, his devoted soulmate, was with Eli as the pain and frustrations of his mental and physical struggles were left behind. The greatest anguish he felt was his inability to be the whole person he once was and savor the role of devoted husband, father and friend.

There will be an empty void in our hearts and lives that will never completely be erased. Yet we all know that twinkle in Eli’s eye - it will remain with us until the end of our days. Keep his presence and memory with you and whenever that smiling countenance comes to mind it will guide your way.

The details of his 40 years that are significant are those that each of us personally experienced with him.  

He enjoyed a wonderful existence and cherished knowing you.

Celebration of Elijah’s life will happen when the vibrant colors of spring and summer return, as it is only just that the natural world he loved so much be in her full glory when we raise a toast to his honor.

We love you dear one – may we emulate your strength and resolve to carry on - Namaste