Robert Wayne Cooper, 81
Robert Wayne Cooper, 81, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at his residence in Bigfork. He was born on Nov. 27, 1927, at Scammon, Kan., the son of William and Doris (Stone) Cooper.
Bob attended schools in Mason City, Iowa until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1945. His service took him to Italy, the Philippines and Australia. He received an honorable discharge in 1954. While in the Navy, he became quite a boxer and following his discharge from the service, he became a club fighter in New York. Using the steamfitter trade he learned in the service, he worked for oil companies and eventually he purchased his own oil company in Boise, Idaho.
Bob also managed several health clubs. In 1980, he began a hardwood flooring business in Boise, and in 1989 he relocated to the Flathead Valley where he worked until his death.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding or four-wheeling. He was the senior racquetball champion at one time.
On Sept. 2, 1995, in Mason City, Iowa, he married Shirley J. Shaver.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bill Cooper.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Bigfork; his children, Robert Cooper and his wife, Chris, of Boise, Cathi Chinn and husband, Obee, of Phoenix, Maureen Cooper-Turner and husband, David, of Phoenix, Diane Morris and husband, Steve, of Boise, Dusty Rogge and husband, Jim, of Eagan, Minn., Susan Heaford and husband, Mike, of Northwood, Iowa, Hondo Shaver and his wife, Deb, of West Virginia, Jay Shaver and wife, JoAnn, of Sparta, Wis., and Tracy Bauer and husband, Rick, of Altoona, Wis.; his sister, Shirley Littelle, of Meridian, Idaho; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held starting at 2 p.m. today, July 23, at Bob's home on Foothill Road.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bob's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and sign Bob's guest book.