Michael Gay Hooker Connie Colladay Hooker

On Christmas Eve, a tragic house fire took the lives of Michael Gay Hooker, who passed away on December 24, 2018, and his beloved wife, Constance “Connie” Lee Colladay Hooker, who passed away on December 25, 2018.

Connie was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma on January 28, 1949 to Colonel Edgar B. and Lee Colladay. She was the first born “Army brat” of her three siblings: brother, Jack (deceased); brother, Bill; and sister, Chris, also known affectionately as “Poo”. As a military family, they were stationed in different parts of the world, including, New York, Japan, Germany and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Finally settling in California, Connie attended San Jose State University where she received a degree in Communications.

After graduation, Connie became a life-long employee of Bank of America, serving the company in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Her first position was as a “Bank Americard Girl”, but her smarts, charm and outgoing personality propelled her to the top, where she later retired as Vice President of Global Marketing.

Connie’s love of life was reflected in her upbeat attitude and enjoyment of each day. Although she was small in stature, she would light up any room she entered. It would not be uncommon for Connie to break into song when given the opportunity. Her unique style and generosity will never be forgotten. Michael was born on September 17, 1935 in San Francisco to Mr. and Mrs. Rodman Lent Hooker. Michael grew up in Hillsborough and New York, and spent many happy summers on the Monterey Peninsula with his grandfather Samuel F.B. Morse (“The Boss”), his mother Nancy Borland, and brother Rod Hooker. Michael graduated from St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire in 1953, where he was active in hockey, football and track. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, but realizing accounting wasn’t a passion, he proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a pilot. After basic training in San Diego, he received his “wings” in Pensacola and relished a life flying jets off different carriers across the Pacific.

Following his time with the Marines, Michael thrived in his career as an institutional stockbroker in San Francisco. From small startups to larger firms, Michael built life-long friendships and was a trusted partner to his clients.

Michael’s passions were his extended family, circle of friends, fly fishing, flying planes and golf. He was thrilled to have four holes-inone in his lifetime, including one on the 15th hole at Cypress Point. While fishing, he regularly depleted the trout stock of the Henry’s Fork on the Snake River. The halls of his beloved Burlingame Country Club and Pacific Union Club will forever miss the “Hook”.

Connie and Michael were introduced by friends and they hit it off immediately. They married on September 30, 1995 at The Episcopal Church of St. Matthew, followed by a large celebration at their beloved Burlingame Country Club. Their 22-year marriage was full of travel, parties and lots of laughs. Michael, affectionately known as “Baby”, adored Connie and frequently boasted about all of her accomplishments. Together, Connie and Michael lived life to the fullest and enjoyed connecting with friends and family and meeting new people to add to their evergrowing circle of friends. From large elegant parties to small intimate dinners at their beloved home of 22 years, it is safe to say that they perfected the fine art of entertaining. Always ready for new adventures, they traveled to many parts of the world and looked forward to their frequent trips with close friends to Europe, Sun Valley and New York.

Connie is survived by her brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Donna Colladay; sister, Chris Colladay and brother-in-law, Rich Hake; aunt, Ginny; nieces, Caitlin and Madison; nephew, Jack; cousins, Bob Long and Suzanne Downing.

Michael is succeeded in life by his beloved children: daughter, Anne Austen Hooker; son, Samuel Talcott Hooker; daughter, Katherine “Shrevie” Shepherd; daughter, Lisa Hatch; son-in-law, Dr. James Shepherd; and grandsons, James, George and Charles Shepherd of Connecticut; nephews, Peter and RL Hooker and niece, Juliana Hooker. Although they were taken too soon, Connie and Michael will live on in the hearts of their many friends and family. As they were inseparable in life, Connie and Michael will be put to rest together. A memorial service and interment will be private.

Connie and Michael’s lust for life, smiling faces and fun demeanor will be remembered by their many friends and acquaintances.

In loving memory of Connie, donations may be made to the Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, 900 Hyde Street, San Francisco, California 94109.

In Michael’s memory, donations may be made to the Greater Bay Area American Heart Association,

426 -17th Street, Suite 300, Oakland, CA 94612.