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William Cooper Obituary
William (Bill) Cooper died of cancer at his home in Fairbanks on Dec. 14, 2008.
Bill was born in Tacoma, Wash., to William and Bernadette L. Cooper on August 13, 1932. He first came to Alaska in August 1958 to teach at the Copper Valley School near Glennallen.
In 1961, he moved to Jesuit High School in Portland, Ore., for one year, followed by four years of study in Toronto, Ontario.
He returned to Alaska in September 1966 to teach at Monroe Catholic High School, where he taught until he retired in May 1995.
Bill is survived by his wife, Doris of Fairbanks; their three children, Will of Cambridge, Mass.; Molly and husband Gregory Chastain of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Ellie and husband Jim Hurley of Chicago; and by two grandchildren.
A Mass of life and resurrection will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Holy Family Chapel at Monroe Catholic, and a reception will follow immediately.
In lieu of flowers, Bill requested any donations be made to the Monroe Foundation.
The cremains will be buried at the Birch Hill Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cooper
Ch, Lt Col Dave Fitz-Patrick, USAF
December 31, 2008
I just heard of Bill's death today. The world has lost a great man who loved God, family, country and the world. As a first-year teacher at Monroe in the late '70's Bill was my teacher and constant support. I'll never forget the very first day, I was anxiously waiting in the faculty room for the first bell, when Bill walked in and said, "Alright Fitz-Patrick, you're free 5th period and we need a typing teacher at that time. You'll have to do it." When I stuttered "But I don't type properly myself, I only use 6 fingers," he said, "Well don't let the students see that. And, yes, there is a textbook!" Often in the years since then, when I've found myself in a classroom setting , I've had flashbacks to Monroe, and applied Bill's wisdom --it's always worked. My sincere sympathies to you, Doris, and to Will, Molly and Ellie. I pray our Lord's promise of eternal life will be some consolation in these days --"Whoever believes in me will live forever!"
Susan Malone
December 24, 2008
Doris & family, I send my thoughts and prayers to you.
The thought that most comes up for me as I reflect on Bill and those years as a volunteer teacher (1972-75) at ICS is one that holds the two of you. When I first met you & Bill, I was a young and idealistic 22 year old. The quiet, deep, grounded connection you seemed to have with one another always impressed me....It was something bigger than teaching, bigger than Monroe. I am reminded of that now and hope that you may find some comfort in these words.
Gene Delmore, S.J.
December 23, 2008
Dear Doris and family, I was privleged to see Bill at the helm of Monroe Hi during my years at Sacred Heart Cathedral from 77 to 82. He kept the flame going and motivated many people to support Catholic education. My condolences to you and the community, Gene Delmore, S.J.
ART BOYLE
December 19, 2008
my memories of bill go back many years; the boy scouts
at st.pat's, high school at bellarmine prep,and a great trip
to montana in our high school senior year. may god
hold him close and bless all of his family
art boyle (tacoma, WA.)
Emmett Carroll
December 19, 2008
Doris,
Please accept my condolence. I knew Bill well as a Jesuit. I will offer mass for him.
Fr. Emmett Carroll, S.J.
St. Cecilia Church
1310 Madison Ave. N.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Carole Summer
December 19, 2008
With a heavy heart I offer this prayer of Hope to Tooter and family:
Dear Jesus, Lord of the living and the dead, we ask you to embrace Bill as he has moved from life to New Life in the kingdom of your Father and all the angels and saints. We whose hearts are heavy with the loss of his joyful presence in our lives seek the comfort of your presence. Relying upon our trust in the Resurrection, we ask you to send your Holy Sprit upon our preparations for Christmas and our continued journey through this painful time duriing the new year. Amen.
Dear Tooter, How well I remember from JVC Pink Palace days of 1968, those freezing mornings you and I walked to Mass, so overflowing with peace and encouragement by Bill's anointed Masses. My favorite of his homilies was the day Mick, with his usual crazy, fun ideas, was to take us "hunting for bears", and sincerely, Bill prayed, "Please keep the volunteers safe from bears".
Amen again. Rest in peace, Bill.
Love, Carole (Hughes) Summer
Patti (Sanderson) Sandstrom
December 18, 2008
Mr Cooper was a wonderful teacher. It always impressed me that he could teach the whole class without looking at any of the text books. I enjoyed his classes so very much.
L. Pat Carroll
December 18, 2008
I taught with Bill but one year, in Portland many years ago, but we were good friends that year and whenever we met thereafter. A genuine, "what you see is what you get" guy, always. I have a fond memory of visiting Sheridan with him and hearing how traumatic the years there were for him...I'll never forget how moved he was by the visit and the remembered pain....an artificial environment had devastaed him. I am touched by his memory and his loss....
Alex White
December 18, 2008
My sympathy to Will and Molly and the rest of the Cooper family. Mr. Cooper was a good teacher and we will miss him.
JIM MCLEAN
December 18, 2008
I was a classmate of Bill at Bellarmine Prep. In reading the other entries, I am so pleased that Bill had such a positive influence in his role as an educator and as a family man. I didn't have contact with Bill after school until sometime in the 60s when I made a one time telephone contact with him in Fairbanks. In our 10th grade theology class, we were rascals and had a lot of fun. May he rest in peace.
Larry Gooley, SJ
December 18, 2008
I did not know Bill well, but did find him very cordial and helpful in providing for the Jesuit Volunteers who worked at Monroe High School in the 70's. My prayers are with him and his family.
Lawrence Robinson, S.J.
December 18, 2008
Bill and I were high school classmates. He and I also taught together in Portland, and studied together in Toronto. I received word today that he passed away one day ahead of my brother. My prayers are that God's peace and love be with you, especially during this difficult time. Larry Robinson, SJ
Jack Campbell
December 18, 2008
The Bellarmine High School, Tacoma, Wa., Class of 1950 is saddened to hear that their classmate has passed away. We will continue our prayers for him and your family.
Jack Campbell
Jerry O'Leary
Fr. John McBride, SJ
December 17, 2008
Bill was a close friend during my time as pastor at Immaculate Conception Church, I always remember the vigor he put forth in the clean-up period following the flood of '67. He was an extraordinary teacher, a man for all seasons. He and I took a short vacaton trip to Whitehorse one summer following the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Bill really enjoyed the story of the waitress that when she removed HRH luncheon plate she said: "Keep your fork, Prince, there's pie coming."
Bill was a great devotee of history and he could make it real and memorable. Fama semper vivat.
Noreen Phillips
December 17, 2008
Words are so inadequate. Bill Cooper was my boss, mentor, co-worker and friend. Bill and Doris' friendship has been a blessing for which I am profoundly grateful. The family has my sympathy and prayers.
Kathleen Waters
December 17, 2008
Doris and family my sincere sympathy . I fondly remember Bill and his wonderful support as a Jesuit Volunteer (73) and as a coach at Monroe. He was a man to be greatly admired and I pray that all our fond memories last longer than our grief.
Barbara Demoski/Paquette
December 16, 2008
Mr. Cooper was a teacher at CVS when I was a student. I am 62 so it was about 1959 or 1960. All the "to-be priests" were called Mr. at CVS. I really did not know much about him personally, except he was dedicated, friendly and helped me with a debate about whether there truly was a God for the 8th grade debate; when he realized he had me confused; he explained what faith was; I did not win the debate but will always remember his belief about faith. Guess he almost had me convinced there was no God so he had to explain about faith.
George Cooke
December 16, 2008
Bill Cooper was my brother in law. I knew Bill for about 25 years and enjoyed his company and political views.My wife Ellie and I spent the last two months with Bill and Tooter ( Doris ) in Kentucky. Even though he was very ill, he still loved to go out to dinner, which we often did.
The Coopers would visit Myrtle Beach SC for a month or more for the past nine years. This is close to our home, and we would get together often for eating out and playing cards. We will surely miss him.
Krista (Hughes '88) Stamper
December 16, 2008
My condolences to the Cooper Family. I loved having Mr. Cooper as a teacher, not so much when he was overseeing JUG. Ancient Civ was probably my favorite class at Monroe. I will forever be impressed that when anyone had a question in class, he would tell us the answer is on page__, paragraph__, many time he even recalled which sentence. He was a truely gifted instructor.
Larry Carie
December 16, 2008
I transferred back to Monroe the last Quarter of my Sophmore year, after coming to the realization I was getting no where in the Public School system. Bill was the first person to greet me upon my return to the school, it was at that point I realized beyond a doubt, that I had made the right decision. Bill's contributions to the Catholic schools are numerous and very much appreciated by those that knew him, I for one am grateful our paths crossed in life. To all of the Cooper family, Thank You and God Bless.
Stephanie Jones
December 16, 2008
My prayers go out to Mrs. Cooper and their kids, each of whom I know! I was student of Mr. Cooper and will NEVER forget what he taught me! It is true that the education world has suffered a great loss! Rest in Peace Mr. Cooper!
Randy Small
December 16, 2008
I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He will be missed by all of those who came into contact with him. I will remember Bill as being very supportive of all students as well as helping me to keep student/athletes on the right path. His end of the year London Broil feasts will always be remembered as well. My condolences go out to Doris and his "kids."
Sue Sherif
December 16, 2008
My sympathies to Doris and the whole Cooper family. I am not a former student or part of the Monroe family, but knew Bill as person who was retired from his work at the school, but not from the life of the mind. It was always a privilege to share a meal with him. There was always sure to be insightful observation or a strongly delivered opinion that elevated the level of our dinner talk. He expressed his thoughts on his wide reading, Alaska history and politics, and the Church in a measured and often witty manner that left your mind alive and active long after dessert and coffee had been served and the dishes cleared away. His toughness in facing his illness on his own terms was incredible.
Deanna (Jenkinson) Kuhn
December 16, 2008
I was a voluteer 1959-60 and remember Mr. Cooper, (as we called him as he was a seminarian) the rest of us were called by our first names with Miss or Mr. attached. I will hesitatingly call him Bill through much admiration and respect. His humaninty and godliness shined through him always. He was one of the kindest most thoughtful people. I will always fondly remember him
Andrea (Royston) Conger
December 16, 2008
Mr. Cooper, I have always remembered how you taught us so we actually understood what was going on in other countries. You cared about our learning. You also served as my guidance counselor, helping me find scholarships and grants available to help me further my learning. I thank-you and will not forget you.
Marlo Miller
December 16, 2008
A real loss, to education
Valyrie (Vincent) German
December 16, 2008
I will always remember "Mr. Cooper" as a man passionate about teaching and his students. His style of teaching is a lost art and we were very lucky to have been able to experience it. Our prayers are with his family. God bless!
Sharon Chapman
December 16, 2008
Ellie, although I didn't know your father, I believe he must have been a great man because of the person that you are.
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Laura (Doogan) Reeping
December 15, 2008
I am sure that Mr. Cooper is jumping up on God's "desk" right now doing his imitation of Neanderthal Man! Seriously, what a wonderful teacher who inspired me to become a social studies teacher myself. He challenged all of us students to do and be our best. Because of him, I was able to go to school in DC at Catholic University and it changed my life. God Bless Doris and Will and Molly and Ellie and all the family. Bill was a gift to me and I am sorry that he is gone, but I know that he is in good hands with God and the angels.
Mollie Cleary
December 15, 2008
I will always remember Bill for his wonderful sense of humor and interest in all around him. I am sure his family will miss him, I know we will. Whenever we saw him we picked up where we had left off the last time, no matter how many months or years.
Janice Charles
December 15, 2008
As a Jesuit Volunteer in 1970, I remember the imposing figure of Mr. Cooper standing outside the office at Monroe High School.Even tho' I was on the grade school staff, I could feel the "strength of his character" from a distance.I have wonderful memories of those great years at the school and the "Pink Palace."
Doris, you and the family are in my prayers.
Janice Devlin Charles
Bill Pike
December 15, 2008
I remember Bill as a compassionate councilor and a great teacher and principal when my 4 daughters were in Monroe HS. He was friendly to all Monroe families. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. We will be there in spirit for the funeral mass.
Theresa Myslicki
December 15, 2008
You may remeber me as Theresa Worrall, my name is now Myslicki. Bill Cooper was a great teacher and more than that a wonderful influence on his fellow teachers and students. Our Bishop at the time stood up for him (I was on the school board at the time) and approved our retaining Bill as principal. Understanding, kind, good humored and a loving man; I'm sure his children have been proud of him. He went throuigh some trying times, but did not walk away from the church. He and Doris followed the Church system and Bill won the respect of all of the Monroe families. I know his children went on to do very well in their colleges.
I'm happy to see George Rodderick's entry.
Doris, you know how every one loved Bill. God bless you and the family.
theresa Myslicki ( Fredericksburg, TX 78624)
Rodney Hixon
December 15, 2008
Bill was my mentor and colleague. I was a better teacher because of him. He taught me the importance of love. He made Monroe High school a better place.
Marleen (Fitzgerald) Thibodeau
December 15, 2008
Bill Cooper was a wonderful man. I remember him as fair, compasionate and above all, patient teacher and principal. A person who was easy to talk to and an excellent example for kids (and adults for that matter). He'll be missed.
Michelle (Lay) Fouts
December 15, 2008
My heart felt condolences goes to the entire Cooper family. Mr. Cooper was a teacher of mine back in the early 80's and I remember him with great fondness as well as laughter. His impression of of Russia's Rasputin cannot be equaled. He touched my life in ways that goes beyond the classroom. Please know that I will keep your family in my prayers.
George Roderick
December 15, 2008
Bill was a colleague, mentor and friend. We spent 6 years together at Monroe H.S. and I will never forget his leadership & willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the school and community.
Doris and family, my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My dear friend, Bill, you will be missed. Rest in Peace.
George T. Roderick
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