Bernard Cooper

COOPER - Bernard “Coop” Cooper, age 92, a long-time resident of Hudsonville, passed away peacefully with his five children by his side. He was preceded in death 35 years ago by his wife, Helen Cooper Schwartz, five brothers and sisters, and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Anyone who ever knew Coop loved him. His family and friends who have gone before him are greeting him with open arms, and he has left treasured memories with everyone he leaves behind. Along with being kind and gentle spirited, Coop was the ultimate people person, full of humor, wit, wisdom and tactfulness. He loved the All American sport of baseball and was a highly respected manager of the West Hudsonville Baseball Team and the Hudsonville Bankers Little League Team. During Coop’s retirement, his garden was one of his proudest accomplishments. His beautiful home garden on Williamstown Court was a masterpiece that would humble any “Master Gardner.” Not only was Coop a great Father to his children, he was a leader and mentor for many young people during his lifetime.

He is survived by his children Micky Gary VanTil, Mary Berghorst, James Linda Cooper, Sharon Armand Sikkema, Kristi Curt Jackson; his 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Lucille Heibel, his wife, Lil and her four children, Dick Judy Hart, Randy Jan Hart, Gary Hart, Tami Brock Mahler, 7 step grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Coop also leaves behind his special friend, Perk Hamming.

Coop’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Perk and all the staff at Allendale Nursing Home for all their kindness and support.

A time for relatives and friends to visit with Bernard’s family will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Cook Funeral Home in Grandville, 4235 Prairie St. SW west building.

Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cook Memorial Chapel east building, with visitation held prior to the service from 2 – 2:55 p.m.. The Rev. Dale Cooper will be officiating. The family welcomes entries to their Memory Book online at www.cookfuneralservices.com.

In honor of Bernard, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter or Hospice of Holland.

Visitation January 25, 2008 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Service January 26, 2008 3:00 PM Cook Memorial Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Interment Monday January 28 2008 Georgetown Cemetery 6921 28th Avenue Hudsonville, MI (616) 669-5370

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619