Robert (Chick) Cooper passed away surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Woodland Memorial Hospital, Woodland, Calif.
He was born Aug. 28, 1932, in Savannah, Ga. Chick had an extensive military career, first joining the Savannah National Guard at age 16. His unit was activated during the Korean conflict, spending two years in the Army. He then joined the Air Force and the love of flying took him around the world many times over, accruing more than 5,500 flying hours. After serving in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, Chick was re-assigned to Travis AFB, where one of his proudest crew missions included flying the first two American P.O.W.s out of Vietnam to freedom.
Upon retiring in Vacaville from the Air Force, the decorated war veteran worked for the California State Department of Corrections retiring in 1993. During this time he attended Solano Community College earning a degree in Telecommunications. He was an avid photographer and owned and operated Chick Cooper's Photography Studio for 10 years.
He loved music (his Moody Blues), photography and traveling across the country with his beloved wife, Pat, in their motor home. His daily joy was a Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks. He was loved for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor.
His family was his life whom he loved and was devoted to. He is survived by his true love and wife, Pat; his children, daughter, Cheryl and Stewart; son, Steve and Cindy; and grandchildren, Carson, Chelsea, Kohl and Claire; sister, Stephanie (Walt) Byrns of Colton, Calif.; and a brother, James (Nancy) Cooper of Erwin, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Chick will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends and no words can ever express their deep loss and love of this most remarkable human being.
Memorial services will be held Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. at Nadeau Family Funeral Home and buried with full military honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 1565, Travis AFB, CA 94535.
Arrangements are by Nadeau Family Funeral Home, 455-7700.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
November 3, 2010
It is with deepest regret to hear of Chick's passing. It is with even deeper regret that we have allowed so many years to slip by without staying in touch with Chick & Pat and their family. We should remember there are no tomorrows, only todays. We all lost part of ourselves, Chick, when the world lost you. It was good knowing you.
--Darrel and Jo Akers (Vacaville, CA)
Jack Miller
October 31, 2010
Chick, Peace be with you.
Nadeau Family Funeral Home
October 27, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
ROBERT OLSON
October 27, 2010
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL/IHE ALLWAYS HAD A SMILE AND FRIENDLY GREETING,I WAS A LM DURING THE SAME TIME HE WAS./HE ALSO TOOK PICS AT OUR SON!S WEDDING/WE NOW RESIDE IN SIERRA VISTA AZ./OUR CONDOALNCES/BOB OLSON{OLE}
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