Melvin Cooper

Melvin Cooper died peacefully at home on February 6, 2016 in Westlake Village, CA at the age of 84 from complications of COPD and diabetes. Mel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Molly, son Larry (Tami Lykens) of Irvine, CA, grandson Zachary, extended family and lifelong friends in Los Angeles. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Edward and Ruth Cooper. Mel was born in Los Angeles,CA. He attended Jefferson High School, the California Institute of Technology and Los Angeles City College where he obtained a degree in engineering. He spent his early career as an electrical contractor and then spent a 20 year career serving the public trust in the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Mel rose to the position of Registrar of Contractors in 1979. He was responsible for much of the license law used to protect consumers from unscrupulous contractors and was a fearless advocate for consumers, publicly citing that the "public was getting shortchanged" and bringing attention to the lack of funding that turned a department of 250 people to its current size of 800. After his retirement from public service, Mel served as owner/president of Cooper Electric Service, a successful electrical contracting business in Westlake Village until his full retirement in 1995. He will be remembered for his wit and as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, cousin, nephew and friend. Donations in Mel's memory can be made to the American Diabetes Association and American Lung Association.