Delbert “Hoppy” Fowler, 71, of Bradley, passed away on Nov. 27, 2019, surrounded by family in his home.
“There’s a good feller” is what they’d say when they talked of the men they admired,
I remember those men they talked about – Cowboys, tough, but kind
They said what they meant and meant what they said,
These men are getting’ harder to find.
“There’s a good feller,” meant he was true to his word, that’s all you’d expect of a man, You knew for sure he was proud to meet you by the genuine shake of his hand.
“There’s a good feller,” meant you could depend on this man no matter the task,
Never got too tough, too cold, or too late, for his help, all you need to do is ask.
“There’s a good feller,” meant he had a light hand, be it with horses or cattle or crew,
He spent most of his life learning this cowboy trade, and he’d be honored to teach it to you.
“There’s a good feller”, just four little words, and their meaning won’t run all that deep, But when Dad would use ‘em to describe certain men, You knew they were at the top of the heap.
“There’s a good feller”, just four little words, but they’ve always been favorites of mine, If after my trails end, my name’s brought up, “There’s a good feller” would suit me just fine.” — Adapted from “Four Little Words” by Jay Snider
Hoppy was the firstborn child to Delbert and Thelma Fowler on June 4, 1948. He would go on to be blessed with four younger siblings, (Tim, Tom, Marilyn, and James). He took his role as the oldest of five children seriously, always serving and taking care of others.
Hoppy grew up a true American Cowboy and was raised loving the outdoors, riding horses, learning how to work hard, and hunt. Hoppy’s fondest childhood memories included working as a cowboy on the COJO Ranch (off Point Conception) in Lompoc.
At a young age, Hoppy, was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany in 1968. Hoppy was a hardworking man of many talents and abilities. After serving in the Army, Hoppy worked many years in the oil fields in California. Hoppy both drove and serviced 18 wheel trucks and could often be found on the weekends out hunting and enjoying the great outdoors or tinkering and rebuilding something. Hoppy came home to California 12 years ago and spent his remaining years managing his brother’s ranch in Bradley.
Hoppy’s greatest accomplishment and most enjoyable moments were spent with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He found abundant joy in passing down his love for (and skills) in hunting, shooting guns, working, and playing practical jokes. Local friends knew they could catch up with him at Cowgirl Cafe downtown Paso Robles. He enjoyed his breakfast with old friends and making new ones.
Hoppy was one of the kindest, truest American gentleman. He never knew a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met yet. His sincerity and love for people was evident to all who met him. His smiles and hugs were the warmest and given freely. Hoppy was one of the last of a dying breed — a true American loving, gentleman of a cowboy who loved and lived to help others. His loss will be felt, not only by family, but by an entire community.
Hoppy is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, two brothers and his sister. He is survived and deeply missed by his brother, son, step children, and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Hoppy — now there’s a good fella!!
The family invites you to join them in saying their final good-byes.
Visitation was at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home at 1703 Spring St., Paso Robles, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.
Funeral Service was Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home. Burial followed at Paso Robles Cemetery.
