Hugh Cooper

Dr. Hugh Cooper, Ann Arbor, MI. passed away on September 12, 2014, at the age of 90. He was born in Minneapolis, MN, on December 16, 1923. His family moved to Ann Arbor when he was a boy, he graduated from Ann Arbor High School and attended the University of Michigan graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1947, after spending three years in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. He then attended the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry, earning a D.D.S. in 1951 and a M.S. in Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics in 1954.

In 1949, he married Margaret Downing, and in 1951 went into private practice with Dr. Louis Schultz and began teaching at the University Of Michigan School of Dentistry. In 1962 he opened his own practice and began a 5 decade long collaboration with lab technician Russ Collins. In 1981, he invited a young dentist, Josef Kolling, to join his practice and, after Dr. Cooper’s retirement in 2006, Dr. Kolling took over the full practice.

He was involved in international outreach with Project HOPE and the ADA’s Council on International Relations. Among the many awards for his outstanding leadership in dentistry and his humanitarian service worldwide, Dr. Cooper received the MDA’s highest honor, the “Meritorious Award” in 1994 and the School of Dentistry’s “Distinguished Service Award” in 1997.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Nora of Ann Arbor, and his beloved younger brother, Robert, killed at 18 in 1945 on Okinawa during WWII.

Hugh Cooper’s favorite quote was from Emerson: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

In his life, and the many special memories of his life which endure, Hugh Cooper is remembered by his loving children—Robert (Leslie) Cooper, Mary Martinez, and David Cooper—8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as having truly succeeded. His special wit, integrity, and generous heart will be missed by all who were privileged to know him.

Contributions in his honor may be made to Project HOPE, 255 Carter Hall Lane Millwood, VA 22646; 1-800-544-HOPE; http://www.projecthope.org/