Robert C. Cooper Go Packers!! Robert C. Cooper passed away peacefully, with his family at his side on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at St. Mark's Hospital. Bob's mind was still sharp, but his body was just "pooped" as he'd say. He was born January 22, 1924 in Cokato, Minnesota to James Schylar and Mabel Clara Cooper. He was raised in Hamilton, Ontario Canada and returned to the U.S. as a young man. He played professional baseball in the Chicago White Sox Organization. He then came out West to work in the oil fields. It was while in Star Valley, Wyoming that he met Elayne Merritt. They were married January 1, 1947. They were together for 51 years until Elayne passed away in 1998. They raised their only son, Michael, here in Salt Lake City where they could be close to both families. Bob was a salesman's salesman. He worked for Continental Oil Company, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation and in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry, retiring in 1980. Bob was a natural athlete playing hockey, lacrosse and baseball as a youth. He contracted golf fever in the 1940's and he never found, or even looked, for a cure. The most cherished times of his life were spent spreading the contagious disease to his son. Those days at Nibley Park Golf Course teaching Michael the game and its integrity, and playing golf with him, his customers and friends from Logan to St. George, those were the times of his life. Thanks Dad! He is survived by his only son Michael James and his wife Denise, three grandchildren Jeremy, Collin, and Christy, one sister Marlys (Ernest, deceased) Burgess Salt Lake, Bill (Janice) Ellis Eagle River WI, La Rue (Denzel, deceased) Wood Logan UT, many nephews and nieces. Special thanks to Lucille Christensen, for being a friend, and to the staff on the 2nd and 3rd floor at St. Marks Hospital. Very special thanks to Denise Cooper. As Bob said last week, "I'm so lucky to have you". A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 4 to 6 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 S. Redwood Road, SLC, Utah. In lieu of flowers; make donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Utah or the charity of your choice.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on December 1, 2006