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Ric Cooper Obituary
June 16, 1939 - September 8, 2011
Ric Cooper passed away at home September 8, 2011 with his family by his side after an extended battle with Parkinson's disease.
Ric grew up in Gold Hill, Oregon, attending Gold Hill Elementary School and St. Mary's High School in Medford. He graduated from the University of Portland majoring in Music Education. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went on to teach High School Vocal Music. He retired from Silverton Union High School in 1997.
He was a talented musician and educator, winning numerous vocal music competitions throughout his career. Ric's favorite pastimes were fishing, especially steelhead fishing on the Nestucca River, and working on his 1931 Pontiac, which he purchased when he was a high school freshman.
He is survived by his wife, Debbra; daughter, Laura Gobbel and son-in-law David Gobbel; daughter, Holly Cooper; son, Scott Saylor; sister, Maria Cooper; grandchildren, Rachael Gobbel, Darren Gobbel, Mathew Linderman, Logan Linderman, Spencer Linderman.
His parents, Irene and Ernest Cooper and his brother, Terry Cooper, preceded him in death.
Services will be Saturday, October 1, 2011, 2 p.m., at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Silverton. A reception will follow at the Silverton Inn & Suites. The family would like to thank Providence Benedictine Nursing Center and Willamette Valley Hospice for their care and support during Ric's last days. If you wish to make a donation in Ric's name, please consider donating to Parkinson Center of Oregon, OHSU Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ric Cooper
4 Entries
Beverly Strawn
September 12, 2023
Ric will always be remembered in our kids and parents heart of Silverton High School! His wife Debbie I think of her many times in her antique findings. Always the good memories. Bev Strawn/ Lindberg.
Stacey
September 29, 2011
Mr. Cooper was an amazing & very talented teacher, who touched my life and that of many of my friends. I will always remember his encouragement, dedication, and pure enthusiasm during the years I was fortunate to be a member of his choir class. He will be missed dearly, and my thoughts & prayers go out to Holly and the rest of his family. May he always rest in peace.
Pat & Richard Aarhus
September 21, 2011
Our sympathy & Prayers are with you. Our daughters enjoyed their music classes with Ric. He was a very talented man & loved music. Our daughters are Carrie Aarhus Carson & Debbie Aarhus LeTexier. Aloha, Richard & Pat Aarhus
September 19, 2011
I am sending you my deepest sympathy from Oceanside California. Ric was a very special teacher to many students. My son Kevin was one of the fortunate students from Silverton High School who benefited by his teachings. He was a wonderful teacher and person who touched many lives. He will be missed by many.
Debbie you would remember me from our antique days with Bev Dolan. I live in California, but saw this in the statesman journal, and had to send my sympathies to you and your family.
I will never forget the times we all shared.
With loving thoughts and memories,
Bev Strawn Lindberg
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