A robbery in March 2008 nearly changed the direction of Ron Hooper’s career.
Three men armed with knives robbed Hooper’s Jeweller’s in downtown Bowmanville, Ont. leaving one of his employees, a goldsmith, with a career-ending hand injury. Hooper, a Municipal Councillor for Ward 2 (Bowmanville) at the time, was returning from a council meeting. He recalls being chased down King Street by one of the men.
“We kept the store closed for two days,” said the Durham College alumnus, who was part of the college’s inaugural graduating class in 1969. “I didn’t know whether to reopen or not.”
While it may have happened over 15 years ago, Hooper says the incident still haunts him.
“When there’s a fire truck going down [the street] with a siren,” he began. “All I could think about was [being chased], because all I could hear in the background [were sirens].”
Ron Hooper, 76, a proud alumnus of Durham College’s inaugural graduating class of 1969, has established himself as a significant figure in both business and community service in Bowmanville, Ontario.
As the president of Hooper’s Jeweller’s, a family business that has been a staple in the downtown area for almost 80 years, he has spent decades fostering relationships and contributing to the local economy.
Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Hooper has also dedicated over 20 years to public service, notably as a Municipal Councillor for Ward 2 and president of the Bowmanville Business Improvement Area (BIA).
His journey reflects a commitment to community and family values, highlighting the importance of local engagement in both business and governance.
Early Life and Education
Growing up, he and his brother, Dan, had a Globe and Mail paper route. “It taught us how to run a small business,” he said.
The brothers also played sports. “We would play road hockey all day,” Hooper recalled. “I think we were the first ones to say “CAR!” he said with a chuckle.
Hooper’s father, Art, wanted him to take over the family business in the future, so in high school, he took several business classes, but still wasn’t 100 per cent sure if it was something he wanted to do.
After graduating high school in 1967, Hooper had to decide where he wanted to pursue his post-secondary journey. While he initially wanted to go to Ryerson University, he decided to attend Durham College, joining the General Business program.
Hooper graduated in 1969 and was recognized in 2007 at the college’s 40th anniversary celebration. In 2014, he was presented with an Alumnus of Distinction award. This award is on display at the Oshawa Campus on the Alumni Wall of Distinction, across the hall from the campus store.
Reflecting on his experience, Hooper said the campus consisted mostly of portables. “Now when I go over, I’m just in awe of the size of it. [We knew] there was always a plan to expand and go beyond their footprint that they had, and they have,” he said.
He added that he is “very proud” of the fact that he was one of the first graduates of Durham College.
Career Development
In the early 1970s, he and his wife, Danny, decided they wanted to open their own jewellery store in Port Hope, Ont. but then his father called a family meeting. That was when he and his brother were told that it was time they should take over their parents’ store, something they did in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Since then, Hooper has built relationships with residents and is a cherished member of the downtown Bowmanville business community.
Hooper explained that his favourite part about running the business, alongside meeting different people, are the various tasks that come with running the store, such as handling administrative and accounting duties. “You get to sample a little bit of everything,” he said.
In addition to the robbery, which was detailed in an article published by the Oshawa This Week, Hooper also faced other challenges, such as operating during the pandemic. “No one realizes how tough [it] was to negotiate [with customers],” he said.
Community Involvement
In 2006, at the behest of then-Durham MPP John O’ Toole and then-Regional Councillor Jim Schell, along with his family’s blessing, Hooper ran for municipal council in Ward 2. He won in a landslide, with 51 per cent of the vote.
“He always came prepared,” recalled councillor Willie Woo, who represents Wards 3 & 4 (Newcastle and Newtonville) at the regional level. “His comments on the floor were very well thought out.”
In 2017, he became the council’s liaison to the Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC), and officially joined the committee after leaving office.
Hooper decided not to seek re-election in 2022. “It just wasn’t fun anymore,” he said.
Current Activities and Future Plans
Regarding his business, he stated that a plan is in the works to pass ownership down to his daughters, Janette and Carrie, in the coming years, something they are looking forward to, according to an email sent on their behalf. However, he doesn’t want to leave the store entirely.
His daughters added that they feel that the Rotary Club’s slogan, Service Above Self, represents him best. “He was always giving of himself and always hoping to do what was best for his business and community,” they wrote.
He has remained the president of the BIA, and emphasizes the need for new, younger members. A sentiment he shared in an article published by The Chronicle back in 2023.
Hooper is also a part-time drummer with The Charles Street Band. They mostly play ‘50s and ‘60s hits, along with some current songs. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over Ontario [to perform],” he said.
For Hooper, his community service remains near and dear. “We thank everyone for their support over the years,” he said.