HOOPER — Hooper Trustee Jim Hazard and the Town of Hooper presented Hooper Mayor Ray Newmyer with the Hooper Community Award this fall.

H. Ray Newmyer was born January 26, 1943 in Del Norte. He grew up in Center for a while and then his family left the San Luis Valley for a few years. They then returned to the Valley and Ray enrolled and completed his high school years at Sangre de Cristo High School in Mosca.

To earn money for college Ray worked on a water well rig. He was then able to attend college at Adams State earning his BA in physics with emphasis on engineering, a BA in education and psychology and Type A teaching and coaching certification.

He also has a Vocational and Technical Education Certification in physics, electronics and technology.

He put his education to good use and was a teacher at Sargent and Sangre de Cristo Schools as well as coaching high school sports.

He has owned and operated his own water drilling company and also works as a consultant. He was a two-time appointee to the State Board of Examiners of Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors and chairman of the board for three years. 

He has an International Master Driller and Pumps Certification; he is one of 66 in the world and the only one in Colorado.

With his experience and knowledge he has generously given his time and has traveled to Africa where he helped drill wells and teach the people how to drill for water.

His generosity has been felt here at home as well. He has helped people in his community as well as the Town of Hooper. A few years ago he donated his time to fix the park well. He has been involved in several projects for the town and has donated material and his time. 

Last but not least Ray has served on the Hooper Town Board since 2010 as a trustee and was appointed mayor in January 2017 and is serving as mayor today.

The Town of Hooper appreciates all his efforts and contributions to his community, and he is loved dearly by his family and friends.