Obituary for Bill Cooper Bill Cooper died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 30, 2018. He was 87. Bill was born on November 15, 1930 in Lostine, Oregon to parents William Cooper and Edith Greenough Cooper.
Wallowa County was home to the Coopers and Bill was surrounded by a large extended family. He was one of nine children. He grew up working hard, hunting, fishing and helping provide for his family.
Bill went to grade school in Enterprise, Oregon, where he went by “Willy Jr”. The family moved to Washougal, Washington, where he completed 10th grade. Bill enlisted in the Army, at the age of 16, and got his GED.
Yes, he lied about his age and he served for 2 years in Fort Ord, California. Bill married the love and companion of his life Arlean Taylor and they were married on December 26, 1947, in Washougal, Washington. Bill and Arlean were married for more than 70 years.
In the early days of their marriage, Bill and Arlean moved around a bit and for a brief time lived in Tennessee. As a young couple, Bill and Arlean loved to dance and spent many weekends traveling to eastern Oregon to go dancing with family members. In 1965 they moved to Newberg, Oregon, where they have lived ever since.
Bill and Arlean’s home was a place of gathering for family, friends, or those who were down and out. Bill always had an open heart and a helpful nature. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards, reading, driving across country, float trips on the river and spending time with family and friends.
Grandchildren and great grandchildren have always been a big part of Bills’ life. He was the patriarch of this wonderful family and his love for life and giving nature will be missed. Over the years Bill had many business ventures including a bakery business, driving a semi truck on the Alaska pipeline, owning and operating a Christmas tree farm, and a trucking contractor for the US postal service.
Bill was preceded in death by: his parents Willy and Edith Cooper; brothers Glen Cooper, Wes Cooper, Steven Cooper; and sister Carol Cooper Prine; daughter Judith Cooper; son Bill Cooper. He is survived by his wife Arlean Cooper; brothers Ray Cooper, Gary Cooper; sisters Lois Trent and Susan Perez; daughters Tangie Cooper Barrera, her husband David, Sandee Cooper Craig, her husband Bill. Grandchildren Michelle Barrera Elorreaga, Lisa Barrera Diggs, Ryan Barrera, Sage Schiffman, Cody Schiffman, Tony Cooper, Casey Cooper, Tiffany Craig Henry, Morgan Craig Mundy, and Nicole Craig Altstadt.
Great Grandchildren Brandon Barrera, Natalie Diggs, Gabriella Barrera, Dylan Barrera, Weston Schiffman, Colton Schiffman, Ruby Schiffman, Ava Schiffman, Alisha Craig Mundy, Emily Craig Mundy, and Ezekiel Craig Altstadt. Cemetery Details Willamette National Cemetery 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland, OR, 97086 , Previous Events Celebration of Life OCT 4.
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