Gary L. Cooper, 83, born in White River, Arizona, fittingly passed away on Arizona’s statehood birthday. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta, and survived by his two children, Julianne Wheeler and Jon Cooper (Jackie), five grandchildren, Samantha Terrell (Marc), Shannon Wheeler, Brynn Wheeler, Max Cooper, and JD Wheeler, and by his five siblings, Gaye Ludwick, Ron Cooper, Carol Terry (Garry), Steve Cooper (Mary), and Kim Pierce (Greg). Gary, a former Assistant State Engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation, was known for his knowledge of roadway construction and his expertise in materials specifications. Stoic and pragmatic, he was knowledgeable in all things Arizona. More importantly, Gary was the center of his large, loving family and everybody’s favorite; his devotion to his family was unparalleled. A Celebration of Our Father’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Hanson’s Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Rd, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Ervin L. Boren
Gary L. Cooper, one of the best supervisors I had the extreme pleasure of working for and one of the most knowledgeable engineers that ever worked for ADOT. God speed my friend.
Ginger Murdough
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a good person and a good work friend/boss. I first worked for him beginning in November, 1966. He was the Resident Engineer on the 7th Avenue Overpass (over the railroad tracks). We were all so young. It was an amazing time, we all worked so hard but had a lot of fun too. It was the first project I ever worked on so I learned a lot. Again, I am so sad about Gary’s passing.
Ginger Murdough
Ginger Murdough
I first met Gary in November 1966. He was a good work friend and boss. It was the first time I ever worked on a construction project. Gary was the Resident Engineer. We all were so young. We worked very hard but had a lot of fun too. I knew Bobbie before I met Gary and always felt blessed to know them both. I am very sorry about his passing.
Doug Harrington
I met Gary at the Silver Creek Inn Memory Care. He wore a UofA baseball cap. I told him that I met his niece, Sydney
who was working at Del Webb’s Sun City in Florence, Az. My wife, Margie is also at the Silver Creek Inn for the past
six years. It was ironic that our lives came together. I saw Gary the week before he passed away. We always shook hands when I came over to see my wife. God ‘bless to Gary and his family.