Dr. Roger W.E. Hopper, 73, passed away November 25, 2024, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born May 8, 1951, in Tuxedo, New York, to Ernest ‘Ernie’ and Adelaide (Shuart) Hopper. He was raised in Mahwah, New Jersey, and later made Laramie, Wyoming, his home.

He attended Mahwah Jr.-Sr. High School, graduating in June 1969. Roger's academic journey was marked by his passion and dedication to science. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of New Hampshire in June 1974. He then received a Master of Science degree in Soils from Montana State University in December 1981, thesis: “A Semi-Quantitative X-Ray Diffraction Technique for Estimation of Smectite, Illite, and Kaolinite”. He achieved his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Soil and Crop Sciences, Agronomy, from Colorado State University in May 1995, dissertation: “Calcium-Aluminum Exchange in Acid Soils and Clay Mineral Systems”, if anyone needs some light reading.

His career was equally impressive, serving as a lead and principal chemist for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Services Laboratory and ultimately as the assistant laboratory manager and chemistry supervisor. He was responsible for water testing and analysis for the state. He retired in 2015.

Roger was a man of diverse interests and talents. In his early years, he enjoyed cross-country running and was on the soccer team at UNH. He also played piano (at his mother’s insistence) and had a booming baritone voice and was in school musicals and theater productions and later sang with the UNH Glee Club.

He spoke often and fondly of his time in Ketchikan, Alaska. He also worked for a time with the U.S. Forest Service and fought forest fires. He mapped soils across Wyoming. In his adult life, he participated in 5k races. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for bird hunting and dog trials with his faithful companions. He enjoyed fly tying and fly fishing. He was a volunteer for many years with 'Meals on Wheels'.

An avid reader and intellectual, Roger was known for his inquisitive mind and love of learning and amassed a collection of magazines, books and podcasts with subjects ranging from science, faith and religion, and stoicism some of which “he was going to get to”.

Not surprisingly, he arranged for his body to be donated to science and those wishes were honored.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest ‘Ernie’ and Adelaide (Shuart) Hopper.

Roger is survived by his family: his daughter, Dr. Jessica Hopper (husband Dr. Tate Berger), and granddaughter Sadie Berger of Fort Collins, Colorado; his son, Maj. Rusty Ridley (husband Kent Hagen) of Kennewick, Washington; and his daughter, Lidia Ridley (husband C.J. Stewarts) of Laramie, Wyoming.

Most importantly, he will be remembered for his love of his family, friends, and co-workers.

There is no plan for a public service, but the family encourages those who knew him well to continue to listen and support Wyoming Public Radio (or your local NPR affiliate) or donate to a charity or cause in his honor.

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