Norman LeRoy Cooper

It all started, July 21, 1932, when Norman Leroy Cooper (Corky) was born to Julius Roscoe COOPER and Stella Gladys (HILL), in the old St. Mary’s Hospital on 11th and Colorado in Grand Junction, CO..

The family moved to Delta, CO., soon after his birth, where Norm attended school through high school graduation and enjoyed working with his extended family on the farm on California Mesa. It was there he was lovingly dubbed ‘Corky’ when he was learning the task of irrigating; a nickname that he proudly acknowledged for decades.

In high school, ‘Corky’ developed his love for sports, with football heading the list. His position was running back; #35. He played a bit while in the Navy and his first year college at Mesa Jr. College.

It is common knowledge that he was an avid Bronco fan and attending Super Bowl XXXII with his son Rick was a once-in-a-life-time experience.

Norm joined the US Navy in June, 1951 and spent the next two years in Yokosuka, Japan on board a Harbor Tug Boat. Later he was assigned duty aboard a small air craft carrier, USS Point Cruz.

After his discharge, Norm attended Mesa Jr. College for two years where he met Betty Joan Cobb and married in June, 1957. Four children were born from this union: Cindy (Dennis PHILLIPS), Rick (Susan) COOPER, Ron (Kim) COOPER, and Brenda NICHOLS.

Joan died of cancer, in 1997

Corky’s career started in the finance business. After 8 years, he joined the US Bank for 18 years. Eventually he was with the Bank of Grand Junction as a Senior Vice President and director until his retirement. He has said, many times, “I enjoyed every day of my work. There are lots of great people in this valley and they made my job a pleasure, not a challenge”.

Before his retirement, Norm was active in JCs, Elks as well as coaching young boys Little League Baseball for 9 years. He loved coaching. His interests have been varied; hunting with his son Ron, fishing and boating on Blue Mesa with his daughter Brenda, day-trips and family gatherings with daughter Cindy and, as already mentioned, the thrill of the Super Bowl weekend with his son Rick. Most recently his love for classic cars morphed into being the proud owner of several.

Norm later married Amy Jo CLEMENS. They enjoyed life and many travels until his health deteriorated. Amy has two daughters: Dana HAWK (Carl) and DeAnn PIPER and 3 grandchildren.

He leaves behind, two surviving brothers; Larry COOPER of Nucla and Harold Duane COOPER of Grand Junction; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

It is requested that any donations be made to Hope West Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.