Rick Cooper, 48
Published 9:42 pm Thursday, January 17, 2013
Richard “Rick” L. Cooper, 48
Born: Deb. 17, 1964
Died: Jan. 16, 2013
Richard “Rick” L. Cooper’s life began on Dec. 17, 1964, in St. Joseph. The son of John “Jack” D. and Phyllis (Murray) Cooper, Rick graduated from Hillsdale College in 1987 with his bachelor’s degree and from Western Michigan University in 1993 with his master’s degree.
Rick was united in marriage to the former Penny Foote on Aug.8, 1987, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. He was the owner of Rick’s Pier’s and Rick’s Liquor Store in Sister Lakes. Rick also taught adult education for Dowagiac Union Schools for several years. He was past exalted ruler of Dowagiac Elks Lodge 889 and involved in many activities in the lodge. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sister Lakes.
Richard L. Cooper
Rick loved the outdoors and he enjoyed his rose garden. His friendly and warm personality drew people close to Rick and he enjoyed his friends very much.
His loving family includes his wife, Penny, of Sister Lakes; children, Josh and Lea Cooper, of Sister Lakes; parents, Jack and Phyllis Cooper, of Sister Lakes; in-laws, Dennis and Marion Foote, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; brothers, John (Candy) Cooper, of Dowagiac, and Bob (Chris) Cooper, of Dowagiac; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Felicia) Cooper, Drew Cooper, Stephanie Cooper and Kristy Cooper; great- niece and nephew, Baylon and Rowan Cooper; brother-in-law, Dennis (Vicki) Foote, of Dowagiac; and sister-in-law, Michelle (Dan) Burch, of Plainwell.
Rick passed away at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. His family will gather with friends on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where a rosary prayer will be offered at 6 p.m. led by Deacon Frank Wesolowski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Rick will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Rick’s name may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Rick at www.yazel-clark.com.
