Brett R. Hoopingarner

It is with great sadness that the family of Brett Hoopingarner announces his passing peacefully in his sleep, on May 8, 2019, at the age of 54.

He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Joyce and his two sisters, Erin Maranjian and Stella St Vincent. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Kurt in 2006, and his father, Jan Harlan Hoopingarner in 2003. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces, Sarah Parmenter, Emily Messer, Bethany Geisert and nephew, David Maranjian. They all remember him as a wonderful uncle. He was an imperturbable teacher who created many great memories for his family. His "wait-for-it" smirk was his trademark and we all remember it fondly along with his distinctive sense of humor.

Brett was born in Pomona, California on November 5, 1964. He grew up in the southwestern states, spending years in California, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. He lived in Colorado for most of his adult life beginning in 1992.

He graduated from Arizona State University in 1991 with a degree in Computer Information Systems with honors, Cum Laude. In 1992 he moved to Fort Collins to work for Book Center of the Rockies. Although it started out as a temporary job to help develop their IT department, he was soon indispensable to the company and remained there for almost 30 years.

Brett's insatiable curiosity and love of learning led him down many interesting paths. In addition to doing for others, he enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including reading, remodeling, cooking, watching movies/comedy/TED talks, fishing, and playing with technology and gadgets. He took great joy not only in building and creating new things, but in modifying existing things to make them even better. This talent certainly extended to his own life, which he modified and improved beyond recognition in the last several years with the help of an amazing support system including A.A., friends, and family. A.A. played a vital role in his success. Although he left us all too soon, he left at the top of his game.

Brett will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his open-hearted generosity. He was always the first to volunteer for a tough job and the last to leave. He would drop everything to help family, friend or stranger. He was patient and kind, serving others without judgement. He treated his friends and family with respect and grace and a generous dose of humor. He actively fostered many deep and wonderful friendships which we know he cherished. He was a loving and witty friend who will be sorely missed by all those lucky enough to know him. He was a gift to us.

Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2019, Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Brett's name, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524.