HOPLA, ROY L., April 27, 1930 – September 12, 2008

POCATELLO – The world lost a true gentleman on Friday, September 12, 2008 from complications of Alzheimer’s in Idaho Falls, Idaho while living in Pocatello. Roy Leo Hopla, age 78, was born in Payette, Idaho on April 27, 1930 to Leo E. “Spike” Hopla and Lydia Combe Hopla, the second of five children. Roy spent his early years around the mining towns of Placerville and Quartzburg, between stays in Arco, Idaho and Boise. During the years in Boise, his father was employed as a guard at the old Idaho State Penitentiary. Roy and his brother Jim were also employed selling newspapers on the street corners near the old Ada Theater in downtown Boise.

In 1942 the family returned to Arco, where he finished his grade school and high school education. After his graduation from Arco High in 1948, he attended Idaho State College in Pocatello, Idaho. In 1951 during the Korean Conflict, he joined the Air Force. On leave in March of 1952, he returned to Arco to marry his fiancée, Diane Wetherington. Together they returned to his base in Kentucky, from there he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico and finished out his four year enlistment at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

Roy and Diane then returned to Arco, Idaho to make their home. He was employed at Argonne National Laboratory in the personnel department and was in professional placement at the time of his retirement in 1988. Roy loved his job and was perfectly suited for this position as he was a true people person. During those years in Arco he was active in many community affairs, was a member of the Arco Lions Club and also served on the Lost River Hospital board. His life was filled with many outdoor activities; hunting, golf, water skiing and snow skiing and just spending time in the mountains at the family cabin in the Salmon National Forest. He was known in Arco to be seen at every sporting event and activity and took great pride in supporting all the young people, especially his children and grandchildren who made him very proud.

Travel was also a big thing in his life. He and Diane spent time in Europe, Australia and made several “shelling” trips to the South Sea Islands in the Pacific.

In 1997 they decided to move to Pocatello, Idaho to make their home. During the winter months they spent much of their time in Arizona enjoying the sunshine and golf.

Roy is survived by his wife, Diane of Pocatello, Idaho; his daughter Debbie (Cary) Scouten of Mald, Idaho, his son, Bryan (Karen) Hopla of Merridian, Idaho. Four grandchildren: Dana Scouten, Jamie (Tyrell) Thomas, Sara Scouten and Chelsea Hopla. Two great-grandsons, Trey and Talon. Also surviving is one sister, Darlene (John) Andreason of Boise, Idaho; three brothers, Jim (Alice) Hopla of St. George, Utah, Harry (Jo) Hopla of Roseville, California and Doyle (Barbara) Hopla of Prineville, Oregon and many close and loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the Downard Funeral Home, Pocatello, ID. Burial followed at the Arco Cemetery. Arrangements by Horsley Funeral Home, Malad, Idaho.