David A. Cooper

About

Pepperdine University University of Nevada Reno University of Southern California

David Cooper Obituary

David A.

COOPER

1939-2008

From paratrooper to professor.

A life of varied experience. A life of commitment to ideals and principles. A life of service.

David Cooper held a masters degree in journalism from USC, as well as a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from the University of Nevada, Reno. He founded and ran an award winning advertising firm in Nevada for more than 10 years, Cooper Burch and Howe. His agency began the boom for the Palace Stations and ran campaigns for numerous elected political officials. He worked in radio in NV and Washington DC, he was a congressional correspondent for National Public Radio on “All Things Considered,“ one of broadcasting's most honored news programs. His involvement in television varied from a Las Vegas News Director/ Anchor for KTNV-TV in the late 70‘s to filming a pilot show “That's My Baby“ for Animal Planet. David served as a member of the U.S. Senate staff for the Senate Committee in the District of Columbia, where he specialized in investigative and legislative activities related to urban transportation, court reform and housing needs for citizens in the District of Columbia. 25 years ago, David moved to Los Angeles with his love of movies started a new company Aries Productions. In the latter part of his life he took his love of advertising and became a professor at Cal State Fullerton, Otis College of Communications and Pepperdine University in California.

David had the courage to fight the tough battles. On September 25, 1957 he was one of two dozen paratroopers of the famed 101st Airborne Division who escorted the nine frightened black teenagers up the front steps of Central High School in Little Rock, AR. He continued his fight against discrimination at the University of Nevada in 1963 as a senator from the student union board. He helped pass Assembly Bill 338 that prohibited discrimination in all public and private establishments for public use. In 1984 he worked for and helped get passed - the Tahoe regional Planning Compact between CA and NV. In 2003 he was victorious with his student advertising team at Cal State Fullerton in winning the regional AAF Advertising competition. In 2004 he ran for Assembly District 47 primary against Karen Bass, who is now Speaker of the Assembly. After a brave fight with leukemia and an apparent successful bone marrow transplant, he lost his battle to leukemia of the spinal fluid.

David Alan Cooper, 69 of Los Angeles, CA passed away Wednesday June 18, 2008 at City of Hope. He was born in Lorain, OH on April 19, 1939 and is survived by his wife, travel companion and best friend Bonny; his sons, David Cooper Jr. and Justin Cooper whom he admired; his beloved daughter, Marceline Cooper Ayres; son-in- law, Andrew Ayres and granddaughters Adelaide and Eliza Ayres. David also leaves behind his two pugs Pearl and Duke, cases of unread books and films that he will miss seeing.

A celebration of David's life will be Friday August 22, 1 p.m. at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2270 S Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018. Donations may be made to City Hope, c/o Central Process, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010-3000, in the memo line of the check write for David A. Cooper.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Jul. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Cooper

3 Entries

July 7, 2014

I'm so sorry to have only recently learned of David's passing. He was a mentor to me early in my PR/Marketing career and was a real stand-up guy who knew his business and had a fantastic sense of humor. He had a lot of integrity and heart. I'll never forget the day he walked his pug into the office - complete with a tiny briefcase that housed business cards with paw prints on them. Hilarious! And who can forget his excitement after meeting his idol, Walter Cronkite?

I'm brokenhearted for his beloved wife Bonny, his children, and his pugs, as I can only imagine how hard his passing was on them all. David was a class act who served his country, his local community, and his clients with all his heart and ability. When I learned that he was teaching, I knew it was a perfect fit because he loved inspiring and helping young people get their start in the business.

I'm honored to have known him and wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and my utmost appreciation to his spirit. I hope he's in heaven announcing the new arrivals with that great radio voice we all remember.

Philip Faiss

August 24, 2008

To my godfather,

I miss you and really appreciated the time I spent with you when I lived in LA. You were so cunning and insightful, and I regret we didn't see more of each other.

Love,

Philip

Bruce Pozzi

July 30, 2008

David, you were one of the best roommates a fellow could have in college. I appreciated your humor and friendship. I am glad we had that time together in our lives.

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