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MATTHEW COOPER Obituary
MATTHEW CURTIS COOPER (Age 56)
Of Tampa, FL died Sunday, December 1, 2013 from colon cancer. Born in Summit, NJ, Matthew earned a BA in Theater Arts from George Washington University in 1981, and an MBA from the University of California Irvine in 1992. He worked for Geico and US Air in Washington, DC and designed sets for many of the major theater productions of the Washington Theater Guild. In the 1990's Matthew moved to the Los Angeles area, where he worked for Pimco, Dick Clark Productions, and Skeptic Magazine in project management and information technology. After moving to Tampa in 2006, he met his future wife, Dawn Gordon at a movie Meetup event. They were married in 2007. A 30 year member of Mensa, he became a frequent speaker at their regional and national conventions. He was also very active in the Humanists of Florida Association. Matthew is survived by his wife, Dawn Cooper, his parents, Bill and Marie Cooper, and his two sisters, Sarah Cooper and Linda Hugues. The family is planning a memorial service in Tampa.
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Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW COOPER
Marios Psomas
January 5, 2014
I knew Matthew for a few years and he was productive on all those years, the latest speech he gave was on carbon and prior on voting and before that on Democracy. He knew Democracy and its rules, he wanted to explore the roots of it by visiting the Pnyx in Athens, a small rock with steps carved on its slope. It was a meeting place of the earliest democratic legislators, the Athenian Ekklesia (assembly) and the flat stone platform called bema the "stepping stone" of the speaker. Three principles were taking place there: Isegoria (equal speech), Isonomia (equality under the law), Isopoliteia(equality of vote and opportunity to assume political office) as early as 507 BCE, Yes Matthew was aware of those roots and he build on classical Greek democracy most of his speeches, he made me proud. He was a true Hellene.
January 5, 2014
Matt was a wonderful, interesting articulate too young a man to leave us. i am a better person for having known him. I am sorry for your loss and offer you my sympathy.
Peggy Goodale
January 4, 2014
In one of our meetings Matt led us in the process of solving the US budget crisis. We did it in the most humanistic manner. I thought Matt was so clever and caring. And cute. I am sad for his family.
Brent Yaciw
January 4, 2014
I only knew Matt for an all-too short time, but he was always a kind and interesting conversationalist. He hosted a group of us in his home for a movie viewing, and I once ran into him in the mall, small world that it is! And now, it's just a bit smaller. I'll miss him.
January 4, 2014
I am so sorry to miss Matthew. He was an exemplary humanist, so intelligent, and extremely warmhearted. Our whole community will miss you, Matt.
Nan Owens, Mango, Florida
Joe Reinhardt
January 4, 2014
To Matt Cooper, a man of conscience, class, and character. It's no exaggeration to say that his passing is a loss to the planet. For a certainty, I am better for having known him.
Joe Reinhardt
January 2, 2014
I knew Matthew for a few years and he was productive on all those years, the latest speech he gave was on carbon and prior on voting and before that on Democracy. He knew Democracy and its rules, he wanted to explore the roots of it by visiting the Pnyx in Athens, a small rock with steps carved on its slope. It was a meeting place of the earliest democratic legislators, the Athenian Ekklesia (assembly) and the flat stone platform called bema the "stepping stone" of the speaker. Three principles were taking place there: Isegoria (equal speech), Isonomia (equality under the law), Isopoliteia(equality of vote and opportunity to assume political office) as early as 507 BCE, Yes Matthew was aware of those roots and he build on classical Greek democracy most of his speeches, he made me proud. He was a true Hellene.
Jordan Williams
January 2, 2014
I've only known Matt for a couple years, but I really liked his humanistic and naturalist "aura". And his easy smile. The book club he started continue to give back (with Marios now). He gave a great talk on violence once that I've quoted from many times. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Maxie
January 2, 2014
I only knew Matt recently, but will never forget his talk on lowering his carbon footprints to zero, given to Suncoast Humanists. He was very inspiring to us all, as he continued to "walk his talk" ....I'm sorry he didn't get his Tesla.
Mark Brandt
December 31, 2013
A true naturalist and humanist, always doing what he could for a better world.
Jim Peterson
December 31, 2013
Matt was more than just exceptional; he was the very paragon of humanist virtue. A better friend, or more insightful philosopher could not be wished for. Our lives will never be the same again.
Phil Bakin
December 18, 2013
I met Matt in 1980 while in the GWU theatre program. He was one of the groomsmen at my wedding. Although we lost touch with one another over the years, he was a good friend, and a talented fellow. He had a great, wry sense of humor. I worked with him on a number of theatre projects in DC. I also remember he once let me drive his Toyota Celica GT home after a party. Drive probably isn't the word... fly would be closer to the mark. Flying around the DC Beltway at 2 am in Matt's Celica... God Bless you Matt.
Rick O'Keefe
December 15, 2013
Thankf you, Matt, for all you shared with us. Your sagacity, wit, charm and broad knowledge will be much missed, Matt. Your enthusiasm and inquisitiveness made conversing with you a joy. You gave us a fine legacy of inspiration. You epitomize "No man is an island," and we are left poorer for you not being with us.
Judi Gordon
December 13, 2013
I will miss Matt so very much, especially the love he had for his wife Dawn, my daughter. He was truly loved and he gave so much love in return. It was my honor having him in our family. Matt, you will never be forgotten.
Dawn Cooper
December 13, 2013
Matthew I miss you, your smile, your laugh, and your gentle & kind ways, the way you looked at me, your friendship & love. You will always be in my heart your loving wife...
Petrina Bell
December 11, 2013
My thoughts are with your family. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Dawn Cooper
December 9, 2013
Matthew I miss you, your smile, your laugh, your gentle & kind ways, the way you looked at me, your friendship & love. You will always be in my heart.
Nancy Meade
December 8, 2013
My life is richer because Matt Cooper was in it. I will miss Matt, always gentle, kind and giving. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dawn, Matt's parents and sisters.
Eric Halasz
December 8, 2013
I will always have the fondest memories of Matt's presence at Orange County Mensa parties and gatherings. God Bless you, Matt.
Laura Cunningham
December 8, 2013
Matt was an exceptional person! Kind and generous, intelligent and curious. He brought joy to those who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and his darling wife.
David Price
December 8, 2013
Matt was a kindhearted intellectual. I didn't know him well, but what little time I spent with him was a pleasure and a privilege.
Vikki Westerskov
December 8, 2013
Matt was a good friend and was always helping someone with a project. When I look around my home, I see many examples of his "set design" skills. He will be missed and I was so glad to know him.
Bill Jordan
December 8, 2013
I had the privilege of being the Best Man at Matt's wedding and enjoying his close friendship for more than two decades. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. The world is a poorer place without him.
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