Harry Hoppe RIP
Peter Küppers has some sad news. His friend and ours, Harry Hoppe died on 3rd January, with Sandra, Christel and Valentin at his bedside. This is truly dreadful news. Life without Harry is impossible to imagine. He was such a lovely fellow and a cherished chum. RIP. We offer here just a few of the many tributes paid.
I have a fond memory of meeting Harry at his first UK convention in Glasgow, where Paul Carroll and I 'danced' with him, Paul on my back, as in Chickens Come Home.
That led to a life long friendship, several visits to Germany, as his guest, drunken days at 'carnival' conventions at Rolduc, Amsterdam.
So many happy memories, him staying with me in Manchester, and always a happy apprehension, at the thought of meeting up with him at a convention.
I pride myself, as one of the few recipients of a 'wrist tag’, informing the reader that the wearer was to be delivered back to the convention hotel. Harry had prepared these for a few UK attendees at his Düsseldorf convention.
Only those Sons that Harry knew as drinkers received them, although he himself (as long as I knew him) was a non-drinker.
Always full of surprises: remember his fancy dress, with a huge 'space hopper’s’ balloon, up his shirt. From Below Zero.
I shall 'choose' to remember him, full of life, larger than life, at our last meeting, John's convention, in Birmingham.
Dave Williamson
He was and will remain a giant in the history of the Sons of the Desert. He was also a very good friend.
RIP Harry.
Roger Robinson
I think we were all hoping for the best but fearing the worst. I’d known Harry for many years of course, seeing him at various conventions, but in recent years he became such a big help when I emailed him if I had a problem with my German learning. RIP Harry. Es war schön , dich kennengelernt zu haben.
Ray Dempsey
A shock because Harry was so loved and the very thought of not having him with us is heartbreaking. Our prayers and love go to the family... such a great loss... a unique and wonderful character who brought so much warmth, humour and friendship to the Sons of the Desert, whom he "served" with such dedication and honour.
I had the privilege of Harry's company at many conventions and also staying at my place with the German crew... he brought sunshine into the room and left you in no doubt that he was pleased to see you. Rest in peace, our friend Harry Hoppe, a true Son of the Desert.
Dave Fullbrook
I knew Harry for almost 39 years and what a character he was. We ribbed each other mercilessly about ‘ze var’ and he put my name on ‘ze list’ several times.
He visited the Chumps for our Octember meeting, and we did the full L&H North East ‘sights and sites’ tour over a couple of days. I was proud to introduce him to Stan’s Great Nephew, Keith Woods who he was delighted to meet and that was reciprocated by Keith.
We took our time on the tour as even then he tired easily, but he was determined to make the trip count - after four days he travelled to Southend to visit Roger Robinson and the Saps at Sea Tent.
In The Perry Winkle, Harry’s column of rare material was always a highlight. The thought that this will never reappear is distressing indeed.
Harry was a genuinely nice fellow who was interested in everyone and everything he saw.
Rest peacefully, my friend, and thank you.
Mike Jones
We are heartbroken to hear the news about Harry. He was such a special friend to us, and we have countless happy memories of time spent in his company. Harry had an incredible sense of humour, and the Sons will never be the same without him.
John and Mandy
Dreadful news, how sad, we’ve lost a wonderful character, a really great person. I was looking through photographs taken at the Las Vegas convention in the 90’s. Angie and I had a really fun time with Harry and Christel, we have many fond memories.
Thank you so much, Peter. It must have been so tough for you these past weeks and months.
Eric Woods
He was such a special person and loved by all in the Sons of the Desert. We have had so many laughs and special times with him. He will always be remembered for his sense of humour and mischievous ways and he has a special place in our hearts and will truly be missed.
Paul Allen
Really sad to hear the news. I guess we all knew this was the likely outcome, and probably sooner than later, but it still shocks. The world of Sons, in fact the world in general, has lost a great friend. He was literally, a larger than life guy.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Christel, Sandra and Valentin.
Janice and Tom
A sad day for the Sons of the Desert.
Harry was the tallest Son of all, with a brilliant sense of humour. We had many laughs. He will be sadly missed and will never be forgotten.
Gary Winstanley