Obituary of Richard Leland Cooper

Richard Leland Cooper, October 18, 1930 – November 2, 2011. Richard, the son of Maurice D. "Bud" Cooper and Rhoda Napier Cooper, was born and raised in Portland, OR and graduated from Parkrose High School in 1950. It was during high school that Richard earned the nickname “Spider”, a name which followed him throughout his life, for his skill and accomplishments as a wrestling champion. Immediately following graduation, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Quad 50 gunner during the Korean conflict and fought at such battles as Hill 1062 and White Horse. Richard worked as an electrician for Western Electric and retired in 1984 after 32 years of service. Richard was a kind and loving father and husband and will be greatly missed. He leaves behind the love of his life, Patricia, his wife of 47 years, along with their two children, Kathrine Million and Maurice Cooper; grandsons Mitchell and Cole Million, brother, Maurice G. "Buddy" Cooper, all of Portland; and sisters, Carroll Summers of Aumsville, OR and Rhoda Ellen Gorman of Vancouver, WA. Two cousins and several nieces and nephews also survive. Richard will be remembered for his diverse interests and intellect, wonderful sense of humor, his practical jokes and love of cross word puzzles. He was quite proud that his teenage grandsons considered him “cool.” A memorial service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 1:00 pm with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the Parkview Retirement Center, 1825 Northeast 108th Avenue, Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Legacy Hopewell House, the hospice where Richard received exceptional care and support during his final days. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center – Portland.