Gary Lamont Cooper
1930 ~ 2007
Gary Lamont Cooper passed away August 21, 2007 at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City with his family at his side.He was born August 6, 1930 in Lehi, Utah to Howard Quail and
Josephine Berry Cooper. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Bonnie Jean Vogt Cooper on March 22, 1989, his youngest son Cameron on October 1, 1976 and his oldest brother Howard Eugene Cooper.
Gary and Bonnie were married December 29, 1948 in Nephi, Utah and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 16, 1964.
A lifetime resident of Lehi, Utah, Gary, known as "Coop" and "High Noon" by many of his friends and acquaintances, served his country in the Army in 1948 and was the Fort Ord Middle Weight Boxing Champion that year. He worked at Geneva Steel for 37 years before retiring to raise horses full time.
Gary was best known for his life in the world of rodeo spanning 30 years where he was at home riding bareback horses well into his late forties. In 1956, he was the Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association bull-riding champion. He was also the RMRA bareback riding champion three times during the 1960's and 70's and was a director of the RMRA for five years. He served as Utah State High School Rodeo Director for six years as well as the rodeo coach for UVSC in Orem, Utah, passing on his knowledge to many during that time.
Gary was always an energetic, enthusiastic participant in all that he was involved in which included entertaining rodeo crowds as a clown and bullfighter. Gary judged the rough stock events at many rodeos around the state and was known for his competitive nature and toughness in and out of the arena. In 2006 he was recognized as the first Utah County National Day of the Cowboy honoree for the State of Utah.
As a member of the LDS Church he served as dance director for 17 years. Gary and Bonnie enjoyed nights out with "The Group," close friends the couple shared. Gary was a colorful, truly unique individual known for his disarming grin, practical jokes and unforgettable one-liners.
The most important element of Gary's life was his family where he found his greatest enjoyment in watching his grandchildren in rodeo and sports.
Gary is survived by his oldest son Gary Alan (Carolyn) Cooper of Lehi; his oldest daughter Candace (Robby) Johnston of Fallon, Nevada; his youngest daughter Desiree (Kurt) Larsen of Ogden; brothers J.B. (Udene) Cooper of Lehi, Utah;
Richard Cooper of Independence, Missouri; and sister-in-law Glennis Cooper of Tooele; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his best friend and sweetheart Donna Wimmer of South Jordan, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Sat. August 25, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Lehi North Stake Center Chapel, 2178 N. 1200 E. Lehi, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Wing Mortuary, 118 E. Main, Lehi, and at the church one hour prior to services on Saturday. Interment, Lehi City Cemetery. Online guestbook at wingmortuary.com