Strength, courage, resilience, resolve and absolute discipline of self are requisite qualities for success in the Marine Corps.
Lt Col Hollopeter embodied those traits in his professional role, and that is how we first met him, in his role as Commanding Officer of the unit our City of Laguna Hills had adopted. When he took Command of 3/5, our support Committee (Team Darkhorse) naturally looked up to him , with the professionalism and objective distance we would consider appropriate to the role we play.
Yet, in the brief time we knew him, or had the pleasure of his company, what shone through was his kind, selfless nature; his curious mind; the gentle manner he exhibited toward all of us he met; his clear appreciation and gratitude for those in his life who’d stood by him along the way; and the absolute devotion and love he felt toward Michelle and his family.
Photos shared here are from the community events which he found time to attend even with his demanding schedule, and at which his presence was transformative, for everyone. We watched him interact with junior Marines, 3/5 combat veterans , community members, Gold Star families, and the children. We were honored twice to have him in our City Council Chambers, where he expressed appreciation for the city support given the Battalion.
As I looked at the photos from my files, it became vividly clear again what kind of man he was. Among a crowd, he aimed to give each full attention , and took the time to do so. At the 2019 Battalion Christmas party he showed his lighter side, having donned a festive and bold Christmas jacket, while he moved among his Marines. In the photo, his intent focus in every conversation is evident, his slight smile he often wore while doing so, must have endeared him to everyone he met, just as it did with us. And, of course, the photo of him standing with his precious family, next to his adored wife Michelle, is the best of all.
Our hearts broke at the news of his passing. Seldom does the passing of a person whom I’d known so briefly cause such pain of loss. But that was the measure of Geoff Hollopeter the man. He was stellar. He embodied all the qualities one would hope to find in a leader, a friend, a fellow cohort, a man and a father. His impact was immeasurable. We miss him. We pray for him and Michelle and his family. But we also continue to feel his essence and presence, and by having known him, we are all better human beings for it.
Rest in peace dear LtCol Hollopeter. Forever in our hearts.