Obituary: Everett L.Cooley

Everett L. Cooley 1917 ~ 2006 Our Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Everett L Cooley, passed away July 2, 2006 in Salt Lake City. The youngest of seven children, he was born on Sept. 3, 1917 in West Jordan, Utah to Henry W. Cooley and Laura E. Finlayson. After graduating from Jordan High School he served an LDS mission in Nazi Germany. He married Elvera Bird in 1943. From 1943-46 he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy participating in four major Pacific invasions, retiring from the U.S. Navel Reserve as a Lt. Cmdr. in 1965. Everett graduated from the U of U with an M.A. in 1947, and earned a Ph.D. in 1951 from the University of California, Berkeley. Everett's passion for history is evident in his professional achievements some of which include; Utah State Archivist, Associate Professor Utah State University, Director Utah State Historical Society, Editor of the Utah Historical Quarterly, Assistant Director of the Marriott Library and U. of U. Archivist, Professor in the U. of U. Library, General Editor of Tanner Trust Fund Series, Professor of History at the U of U, Director of the Red Butte Press, Collections Specialist at the Marriott Library, and Professor Emeritus of History at the U of U. Along with many other affiliations to professional historical organizations, Everett was the Chairman on the Committee to establish the Utah Heritage Foundation. "Everett Cooley has spent his career upholding the highest standards in his profession. His knowledge is unlimited, his scholarship is impeccable, his integrity is impeachable, and his character is irreproachable." Although Dad's professional achievements are many, the greatest legacy he leaves us is the love he had for his family. Everett is survived by his wife Elvera, daughters, Janene (Richard) Brown, Karen (Wayne) Milne, and grandchildren Katie Brown, Christopher Brown, Kenneth Milne, Erin (Scott) Greenwood, and Laura Milne. Preceded in death by parents and siblings. Everett did not want a formal funeral. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Dad's life from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at Red Butte Gardens at 300 Wakara Way. It would have meant a great deal to him if those wishing to do so would make a contribution to the Special Collections Department at the Marriott Library, the Historical Society, the Heritage Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, or a charity of your choice in Dad's name. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.MeM.com