Willard Dean Cooley

I still think of Mr. Cooley from time to time, more so than most of the teachers I had. He was a good man. And he was a great swimming coach. In retrospect, if we were closer in age, I think we would have been good friends. Even though it has been 44 years, I still do miss him. I hope our Lord was waiting for him with His arms wide open. God bless Mr. Cooley.

Miss you coach!! We need you now to coach us thru this virus thing!

Appreciated your push in life!

Dear Martha, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad always told it like it was and I respected him for that.

Martha, You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am sorry to hear Coach Cooley's passing. Coach Cooley was the best swim coach anyone could have. He was an awesome man and friend if you needed help. My heart-felt prayers go out to all of his family. Coach Cooley I hope you rest in peace and be with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Martha,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope you find solace in the days ahead and in the many memories of times past.

I liked Mr. Cooley. I had him for phys ed. He was encouraging and kind. Good man.

Coach Willard Cooley was a great man, teacher and leader for all his swimmers and all he came in contact with throughout his life.
So many great swimmers learned their sport and their lives from the best. He loved to fly. Condolences to the Cooley family.

Coach Cooley was the best! He was a big influence in my life as a swimmer and all that followed because of that training/success. I spoke with him a couple of years ago and had the privilege of telling him how fortune I was to have him as my coach and mentor so early in my life! He was a good man and a great coach. God bless!
Biz (Lee Bisbee, PHS, 1965)