Loren Royce Hopper of Stanfield passed away in Hermiston on Aug. 31, 2024 at the age of 70.
He was born on May 11, 1954 in Prairie City to Robert and Neva Stratton Hopper.
Loren spent his early childhood in John Day, Spray, and Heppner before moving with his family to Ordnance in 1964, where they lived at the Umatilla Army Depot. In 1968 the family settled in Hermiston, where Loren attended school and graduated with the class of 1973. During his high school years, he played bass in several rock bands including Mantra and Hard Road.
Loren dedicated his entire career to Lamb Weston, where he worked for over 40 years, eventually retiring as the supervisor of food safety and sanitation. He was deeply respected and loved by his co-workers, known for his leadership and his commitment to mentoring young people, often hiring high school students for Sunday cleanup shifts.
Loren met Rene Bartley while they were both working for Lamb Weston. The couple were united in marriage at Highland Baptist Church in Hermiston on July 20, 1975. They raised their two daughters in Stanfield.
Loren enjoyed star gazing, rock hounding, photography, building guitars, playing and recording music and spending time at the Oregon coast. He was a man with many talents. He was a devoted fan of his all-time favorite band, Rush, attending numerous concerts over the years. One of his fondest memories was sharing his love for the band with his daughters, taking them to a Rush concert in 1992. Loren’s friends often called him Hoop.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rene; daughters, Monica (Dustin) Curtiss and Terra (Luis) Nava; five grandchildren, Chelsa, Ainsley, Joaquin, Brinley, and
Emmy; brother, Lyle Hopper; sister, Lee Hutchison; and several extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at Burns Mortuary Chapel.
Immediately following the memorial service, a gathering will be held at Maxwell Siding Event Center. All are welcome to attend.
A private interment will be in the Hermiston Cemetery.
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice or to Ashley Manor in Hermiston.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
