BAR HARBOR – Pete Hoppe passed away at his home following a short, dignified battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter Feb. 2, 2006. He was born Feb. 16, 1942, in Long Beach, Calif., the first son of John and Venetia (Mortensen) Hoppe. The family moved to the San Joaquin Valley area and eventually settled on a small ranch in Woodlake, Calif., where they farmed dairy and cotton. Pete spent his early years farming the ranch, graduating from Woodlake High School in 1959. After high school, he attended College of the Sequoias in Visalie, Calif. for two years and graduated from California State Polytechnic College with a bachelor of science in animal husbandry. He met his wife, Linda at Cal Poly, Pomona and they were married June 14, 1963. His quest for knowledge continued leading he and Linda to Manhattan, Kan., where he received is master’s degree and PhD. in reproductive physiology. While in Kansas, their daughter, Tina and son, Kirk, were born. In 1968, Pete accepted a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. Their son, Todd, was born the following year. Pete’s one-year fellowship lasted 27 years, where he loved his research, made a contribution to science and enjoyed his many colleagues. Peter loved the beauty of Mount Desert Island and all it had to offer. His special memories were of Bogg River hunting camp, with the Bogg River gang and halibut fishing with Gary and Cal on the “Don Lee-Ann,” but especially sunrise on Frenchman’s Bay in his little lobster boat “Tina.” He enjoyed growing an abundant vegetable garden and he treasured the special times with his family. His passion was working on his 1952 MGTD and his 1965 Pontiac LeMans. Pete was a member of the Bar Harbor Masonic Lodge No. 185, the Acadia Chapter No. 31, the Blanquefort Commandary No. 13 and Anah Shrine. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Linda of Bar Harbor; three children, Tina of Greenville, Kirk and wife, Leah, of Rockville, Conn., Todd and companion, Kim, of Homer, Alaska; brother, Eric and wife, Sandi, of Watsonville, Calif.; sister-in-law, Gail and life companion, Bob, of Fort Myers, Fla.; sister-in-law, Polly and husband, Richard, of Las Vegas, Nev.; special nephew, Robert Hoppe and wife, Mona and their three girls, Rachel, Amanda, Katelyn (Firecracker) of Sparks, Nev.; his special cousin, Mike Briley and wife, Lois, of Big Bear, Calif. and several other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law and one brother, Karl. He leaves behind his best buddies, Gary Parsons, Tom “Lobo” Pinkham and Alan Bartsch. He will always remember his morning coffee buddies at Cafe Milagro and his afternoon “coffee companions” at Tapleys, Chet, Johnie and Dave. “Rest well my love and thank you for the memories, what a ride it was!” Love, Linda. Friends may call 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb.11, at The Maine Sea Coast Mission, West Street, Bar Harbor. Following the viewing, you are invited to our home, 8 Spring St. to celebrate Pete’s life. Beloved husband, father and friend. Donations in his memory may be sent to the Bar Harbor Historical Society or the Village Improvement Association, both at, 33 Ledgelawn Ave., Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 48 Eden St., Bar Harbor.
DR. PETER C. HOPPE
