Peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, 31 January 2026, aged 80 years. Loved husband and soul mate of Carol. Proud father and father-in-law of Seth & Star, Sally & John, Jane & Mark, Lou & Kevin, Christina & Brandon, and an awesome stepfather to Maree & Mike, Neil, and Shane. Adoring Grandfather to Logan, Lyla and Willow, and much-loved Grandad Bill to seven. Special thanks to the Te Awamutu District Nurses and Dr Ernst Buhrs for the many house calls, and for the love and care shown to Bill over the past few weeks. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre, Mutu Street, Te Awamutu, on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at 11.00am, followed by burial at Pirongia Cemetery. Messages to the Hooker family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Bill's online tribute book at
www.rosetown.co.nz
Published by Waikato Times on Feb. 2, 2026.