William Peter Cooper, born July 15, 1927 to William Arthur Cooper and Edna May Penney in Los Angeles, California, passed away on September 27, 2011 at the Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital in Helena. Pete was 84 years old._x000D_
He grew up on farms and ranches in California, Idaho, and Montana. Soon after arriving in Montana, Pete went to work on the Harry and Jessie Shaw ranch in Cardwell, home of his sister and brother-in-law. He joined the US Navy where he flew the TBM-1C Avenger and received the Purple Heart. Pete returned to Montana and married Kathleen C. McIntye and together they had five children: Lea Ann Townsley (Rick), William P Cooper II (Nan), Ruth Cooper, James C Cooper (Linda), and Delia M Kramer (Stan). _x000D_
Pete and Kay moved their young family to California where he worked in the Aerospace field for the next 35 years serving as an engineer and supervisor building the B-1 Bomber, C-130, C-17 among other planes._x000D_
After Kay’s death, he remarried his high school sweetheart Joyce Ramey. Joyce also had five children: Randy Renn, Lisa Gowen (Russ), and Lori Strachan (Michael). Together they spent 24 happy years, returning to Montana after his retirement from McDonald Douglas (now Boeing) making their home in Lincoln and then Townsend._x000D_
Pete was a Master at everything he did. He used his talents to build planes, homes, refinishing furniture, and homemade keepsakes. Pete could build and weld anything and one of his last projects was a trailer that when finished was simply too darn beautiful to haul anything in. He knew exactly how to help Joyce make any house a home._x000D_
Pete loved his country and served many community groups: Boy Scout Leader, Baseball Coach, President of the Rod & Gun Club in California, Lincoln Snowmobile Club, Townsend Rod & Gun Club, the American Legion and was very proud to serve in the Townsend Honor Guard._x000D_
He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, sisters Grace Cooper and Jessie Shaw Felsheim, as well as his wife of 38 years Kathleen Cecelia Cooper, step-sons Danny Sherlock and Bob Renn, granddaughter Shandi Rae Renn and great grandson Zachary Conklin. Survivors include Pete and Joyce’s children listed above, 22 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and his beloved dog Buddy._x000D_
Papa Pete left us at 4:44 AM; the sunrise that followed was truly spectacular. We hope that some of you got to see “Grandpa’s sunrise.†It looked like an awesome day to go flying!_x000D_
Memorial services will be 11:00 am, Monday, October 3, 2011 at Twichel Funeral & Cremation Service, 314 N. Rodney Street, Helena. Graveside committal with military honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation in W.P. Cooper’s name to the Townsend American Legion. Please help us to remember this proud man . . . with a tougher than steel exterior that only shielded his marshmallow center and a heart of gold.
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Jim Cooper says
We lost our beloved father after 84 years. He will be missed by all who were around him.
Lea Ann says
I miss you so much, you will alway be in my heart. You were the best dad it will be hard to not have you to talk with about problems and our early morning talks.It breaks my heart to not have you any more feel like a hole in my heart. Love you so much
Sally and Dean Handley says
Our prayers are with you at this time. Loosing a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, is one of the hardest test that we as family members have to endure. He may be gone but look around your family and you will see that he is there within each one of you. As his children there will be a day when you look In the mirror and see him looking back at you. I know this to be true there are days that I see my Mother other days my Father looking back at me.
Jack & Earlene Glidewell says
We will always miss you! We have lots of fond memories to cherish.
We love you! Rest in Peace. Amen
Deborah says
I never met him in person, but the stories I’ve heard from his daughter really told me a lot about him and he must of been a great guy.. I know he will be miss by many..
JR & carole says
Thoughts are with all the families. Our condolences, to all. William Peter Cooper sounds like he was a wonderful human being and a well accomplished person.
GOD BLESS YOU . . . . . . . . .
WITH LOVE