Remembering WCLA President, Donald Hopper

Written by Jed Potocar

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our president, Don Hopper. His leadership, dedication, and countless contributions greatly enriched our organization.

Don Hopper was a warm and compassionate person with an extraordinary and diverse resume, including being a Glove Cities Colonials Hall of Fame athlete, fraternity president at Penn State, longtime high school math teacher, restaurant owner, community trustee, and college math instructor. These experiences helped him successfully lead the West Caroga Lake Association (WCLA) for 10 years.

My memories of Don go way back to the days of my youth, when my friends and I looked up to Don as a local football star. During a couple of our “Caroga” summers, we couldn’t wait to go watch him play around the area. Many years later, I appreciated how he helped my mother, Anita Potocar, gracefully step down after two decades as WCLA president. Don took over with passion and confidence, reassuring Anita and the board that the organization remained in good hands.

During his leadership, Don strengthened the WCLA by incorporating the organization, updating its bylaws, expanding membership, improving communication, and significantly enhancing environmental programs, including fish stocking and water monitoring. He introduced creative initiatives such as the “See It, Scoop It, Trash It” program and helped grow community events like the Fourth of July Boat Parade.

Don also supported numerous volunteer and community efforts, including highway cleanups, painting the channel bridge, paint recycling events, boater safety education, partnerships with other town organizations, and WCLA participation with the town-wide Lake Management Committee. He supported all fundraising endeavors and helped secure funding through events, memberships, and collaborations.

The WCLA is a financially solid and growing organization with a strong vision for the future—thanks to Don Hopper. Though Don passed away this winter and we will very much miss him, his spirit of dedication, leadership, creativity, friendliness, and love for the lake will live on forever.

I leave you with this quote by Don, “See you around the Lake!”