Obituary of Zachary Ryan Cooper

Zachary Ryan Cooper (Zach), 32, of Tualatin, Oregon, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Zach was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Mark and Judi (Knoot) Cooper on January 25, 1988.  He arrived weighing over 11 pounds and grew into a strong tower. 

Zach grew up as a member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church, where he was baptized and confirmed.  He made many forever friends growing up and enjoyed Family Camp in Branson, Rocky Mountain retreats, and Boundary Water adventures with youth groups.

He attended school in Johnston, Iowa and graduated from Johnston High School in 2006.  He went to Central College to study and play basketball.  He held an internship in sports marketing in London, England through the Central Study Abroad Program in the summer of 2009.  While there, he made the most of his time exploring Europe, attending world class theater and events, and bungee jumping!  Pictures and stories indicate that this summer was a truly memorable one. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central College in 2010, along with a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Sports Management from the University of Arkansas in 2014. While at Arkansas, he was also a GA for the Women’s Basketball team. Since graduation from U of A, he worked as a video coordinator for the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team, the University of Tulsa Women’s Basketball team, the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, and most recently as the video coordinator and a player development coach with the NBA Portland Trail Blazers.  He absolutely loved his work.  

Zach was a four time letter winner at Central.  He was awarded the Most Improved Player Award for the 2007-2008 season. He received the Men’s Basketball Gary Dirksen Achievement Award at Central College for the 2009-2010 season, holds third place in school history for career blocked shots, and was a team captain for the Dutch for two years.  The team played in the NCAA Division III Tournament his senior season.  He enjoyed all sports – especially basketball – and his extended family loved to watch and cheer him on.  He was into cars (just like his dad), hanging out at the lake, debating sports with his brother, and spending time with his many friends.  He was compassionate and fun loving with a vivid sense of humor.  He always knew the best places to dine in the cities he lived in and traveled to for games.

Zach is survived by his parents, Mark and Judi Cooper of Johnston, Iowa, brother Owen of North Liberty, Iowa, and daughter Kalli Marie.  Also surviving are his grandmothers Connie Knoot of Johnston, Iowa, and Judith Cooper of Newton, Iowa, aunts and uncles Vince (Ellen) Knoot of Bondurant, Iowa, Susan (Dylan) Hayes of Grimes, Iowa, Cheryl (Scott) Heng of Waukee, Iowa; cousins Michael, Brett, and Julianna Knoot, Mikayla and Chantelle Foster, and Tyler and Dillon Waskow, along with many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Richard Knoot and Alvin Cooper Jr.

A Celebration of Life event will be held at a future date.  

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Zach’s name at Central College.  Gifts may be given online at:

https://www.central.edu/alumni/ways-to-give/online/

Or mailed to:

Central College

812 University

Campus Box 5200

Pella, Iowa 50219

 

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