Richard Cooper

Richard Jay Cooper

Richard Jay Cooper, age 66, passed away due to complications of a heart attack on November 23, 2017 at Davis Hospital in Layton, Utah, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Richard was born on August 6, 1951, in Provo, Utah to Grant Sherman Cooper and Ruby Schow Cooper. He was the third of seven children. Richard spent the majority of his youth in West Covina and Upland, California, where he excelled in athletics, particularly football and baseball. For his junior year of high school, he and his family moved to River Heights, Utah. While in Utah, he played football along with his older brother Jim Cooper at Skyview High School, where they both enjoyed a successful year. The following year, Richard returned to California and graduated from Upland High School in 1970.

During the time he spent in Utah, Richard developed a love for the outdoors, particularly hunting, horseback riding, and snow skiing – all of which would become lifelong passions of his. Richard was a hard-working man who taught his children the importance of industry and responsibility. He started a business in Richmond, Utah called Rocky Mountain Irrigation Co. with his parents, and another business later called Valley View Market with his four (4) brothers.

Richard’s charming smile, jovial personality, and natural talent for story-telling made him beloved by all and a hit at every social gathering. Richard was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You could always find him sitting in his favorite seat on the back row of the chapel, a seat that will never be filled in quite the same way. He will be remembered for his service and faithfulness in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sandy Eskelson Cooper, and by his five children: Richard “Rick” (Tish) Jay Cooper Jr., Tracy (Mike) Cooper, Kari (Micah) Barker, and their mother (Karen Clawson); Lindsey (Josh) Stoker, Jake (Katie) Cooper, and their mother (Lynn Alexander). He is also survived by six brothers and sisters: Gary Cooper, James Cooper, Grant Cooper, Rex Cooper, Debbie Palmer, and Caralee Stokes; three stepchildren: Josh (Jeanne) Moore, Dustin (Ashley) Moore, and Taisha (Ben) Sullivan; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sun Hills Ward Chapel, 3290 North 1050 East, Layton, UT.  Friends may visit family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Smithfield Cemetery in Smithfield, Utah.