Robert "Pete" Earl Cooley, 54, died of heart failure February 20, 1996 at St. Mark's Hospital.
He was born in Salt Lake City, May 20, 1941 to Alva Lawrence and Fern Elizabeth McFarlane Cooley. Married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Lee Drage, August 18, 1961 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They have enjoyed 34 years of loving companionship.Robert was in the first graduating class of Highland High School. He attended the University of Utah and graduated from Westminster College with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He loved learning and attended colleges and universities throughout the Western United States. His entire life was spent in the gathering and sharing of knowledge with others. He was a devoted educator and master science teacher for over 30 years. He enjoyed his colleagues and students at Westminster College, Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School, the University of Utah, West Jordan High School and his current teaching position at Joel P. Jensen Middle School.
Robert was a naturalist, artist and poet. He spent many years working in the Scouting and youth programs of the LDS Church. He loved gardening and was proud of his yard and home. His skills in cooking were legendary. He loved to ski, play with his grandchildren, read, listen to music and take naps. He was proud of his Irish heritage.
Survived by his wife, Bonnie, his children, who are his proudest accomplishment: Michael (Tina), Arizona; Laura (Ned) Maxfield, California; Peter (Margaret), Colorado; and those dearest to his heart, his grandchildren: Christopher, Catherine, Taylor, Hillary, Courtney and Daniel; his brother, Gary, Connecticut; many nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Keith.
Robert was a dedicated humanitarian and his influence will be felt by family, friends, colleagues and students for years to come.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Saturday, February 24, 1996 at the Colonial Hills 2nd Ward, 1455 South 1700 East, where friends may call from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral directors, Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Robert E. Cooley Science Scholarship Fund, c/o Cheryl Bunderson, Joel P. Jensen Middle School, 8105 South 3200 West, West Jordan, Utah 84088.
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