LAMORINDA WEEKLY | William Cooper


May 8, 1925 - June 4, 2022

On June 4, 2022, Bill Cooper peacefully passed away at the age of 97. He was born May 8, 1925 in Alameda to William and Evelyn Cooper. He became a member of Boy Scout Troop 9 and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Alameda High and was elected head yell leader. After graduation, Bill was drafted into the Army and fought in World War II in the Pacific on Leyte and Okinawa. After the war, he graduated from UC Berkeley with a business degree in 1949. He had a career as a purchasing manager for Montgomery Ward in Oakland. Bill married Marion Haviland in 1951 and moved to Orinda in 1953. They raised their two sons, Bill and Ken, on Lavina Court where they became lifelong friends with the other families on the street.

Bill became Scoutmaster of Troop 237 of Orinda in 1955 and was active in Scouting for 80 years. Through Scouting, he was awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service to his community. In 1980 he was honored as Orinda Citizen of the Year. Bill was also active in SIRS, the VFW, and St. Anselm's Church of Lafayette. He enjoyed wood carving, gardening, running, Sudoku, dominoes, Oakland A's, Raiders, Warriors, and Cal football.

Bill is survived by his sister Marilyn Hale (Tom), son Ken (Carol), daughter in-law Judy, grandchildren Tracy, Grant, Kevin, Scott and four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Orinda Community Church at 2 p.m. Aug. 20.