Kevin COOPER

1976 - 2017

COOPER, Kevin October 13, 1976 - February 4, 2017 Kevin passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Kevin was born on October 13, 1976 and raised in Kenwood, the community he loved very much. He is survived by his parents, John and Debbie; sister, Tiffany and numerous second and third cousins. Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Ruth Lawson, Jack Cooper and Laura Francisco. Kevin loved sports and exceled at them. He played for both Rincon Valley Little League and Santa Rosa United Soccer for many years making lifelong friends along the way. Kevin was a 1994 graduate of Montgomery High School. He loved and treasured the memories he made with his friends along the journey of life. After graduating from high school, Kevin attended Santa Rosa Junior College where he received his AA degree, as well as, Firefighter and EMT certificates. Kevin graduated with honors in 2001 from Golden Gate University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Kevin's true calling was the fire service and he was most content when he was on duty. He started his fire career in 1996 as a sleeper firefighter for Sonoma Valley, a volunteer firefighter EMT with the Kenwood Fire Protection District, as well as a firefighter EMT with Glen Ellen Fire Protection District. Kevin worked as a dispatcher in the command center for Cal Fire before transferring to Cal Fire's Sonoma Air Attack Base. Kevin's passion for the fire service along with his love and admiration for his co-workers and the pilots brought him fulfillment, joy and satisfaction. He was always coming up with pranks to play on the firefighters and pilots. Kevin definitely kept everyone on their toes. A die-hard Detroit Lions fan, Kevin rooted for his favorite team even when they had a terrible season. He was thrilled last season when the Lions almost made it to the playoffs. Kevin missed the life he had before his accident in 2011. His family prays he has found peace and knows he's telling the stories he loved to share with those who went before him. The love Kevin had for his family, friends, the fire service and the community of Kenwood will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 11:30 a.m. at the Oakmont Golf Club banquet room, 7035 Oakmont Drive, Santa Rosa, CA In lieu of flowers Kevin's family request donations to the Kenwood Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 249, Kenwood, CA 95452.