To My Good Friend Chip Hooper,
~Shared by Anton Saleh~
I haven’t had to deal with a loss as great as this in my life, and I don’t really know how to. I know saying thank you through a letter can’t begin to show you the compassion and admiration I have for you. That in itself, is beyond what words can say. But like you always told me, take it one step at a time. Thank you for being a more than a mentor to me, but an amazing friend. You always challenged, encouraged and supported me. What a blessing it was that you gave me the time of day you did, and then some. Every conversation we had about life, music, and everything in between is something I will continue to cherish. I’m so thankful for those wonderful times we had. I remember the first time we had a one-on-one. It was in New York in the Paradigm office where you got me my first college internship interview, and I was sure that I failed my interview the day prior to our meeting. I remember coming back and walking into your office the next day. When I opened the door and sat down, you were busy on the phone booking shows for Tiësto. I remember sweating profusely with my heart pounding through my chest, and thinking to myself, I am so screwed! Much to my surprise at the time, when you got off the phone, you smiled and said you knew I killed the interview, that you were proud of me. From there, we started a long standing tradition of pranking Valerie. That time it was telling her I was going to take her room in your apartment in the New York City. This eventually led to pranking her on Bonnaroo and Outside Lands tickets, and my personal favorite of convincing people you ran Duke LDOC in the shadows and that I was your front man. As you put it, “I basically run LDOC, right Anton?” From that first meeting though, I knew I not only had an adviser, but I realized you really cared at seeing me succeed. I really felt like I could take on anything because of you. I’m sure you put that same confidence in so many others. Having that belief and constant oversight was a such a blessing and building that kind of relationship with you was unique from anything else I’ve known. While we shared a love of music and other things, I think the most valuable experience that really bonded us was our separate battles with cancer. I knew you had my back, and I’m sure you knew I had yours, we empathized with each other in that way, and that was special. I’ll miss all the little things, all the texts telling me to keep an eye on Val, all the emails, how could I forget the facebook posts that led to phone calls telling me that you had eyes on me! You cared so much. I am glad we got to say goodbye, even though it was far too soon. I would drive up and down California and do it 100 times over again to just have another minute of time. It’s beyond words really, thank you Chip for everything, you well be missed. I only hope I can be a fraction of the leader, motivator, and inspiration you were to others. Here’s to all the incredible times, it won’t be the same with you. Rest in Peace.
Anton Saleh
I imagine most people who knew Chip could say a LOT about what it was like to know him. He was a great big man, with a great big heart, who lived a great big life.
I met Chip through my sister, Jackie, shortly after she started working as his assistant. I remember being skeptical of him and feeling protective of my sister, which is not unusual for me. I’m a tough sell. All my hesitation went away after the first visit, when Chip made a point of letting me know that he cared for and respected Jackie quite sincerely.
From that first meeting and in the many years since then, Chip ALWAYS made a point of telling me – most times privately, sometimes tearfully – how much my sister meant to him, and how truly & deeply grateful he was for her presence in his life. This was clearly important to Chip. It was clearly important to him that I understood this – every time.
Chip also made a point of ALWAYS asking about my daughter, and when she was there with him in-person, he made meaningful conversation with her, encouraged her, complimented her, and complimented me on the job I was doing as her mom – every time.
I count myself as truly blessed to have been considered a part of Chip’s extended family, and our family will be forever grateful to him. Chip will be missed as deeply as he was loved, and his legacy will be one of great big love and generosity.
Peace and comfort to all of Chip’s loved ones. The space he leaves behind is vast.