Kenneth Cooper

With a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, Ken's presence brought joy and harmony.

​Kenneth George Cooper of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on August 6, 2022, at the age of 88.  He was born in Panguitch, Utah, to George Nathan and Cora Crandall Cooper.  He was raised in a loving family with two sisters, Carol and Dorothy, and one brother, Frank.

At Panguitch High School, Ken excelled in sports, especially track and baseball.  He could hit a ball far enough to clear fences and crossroads.  He participated in student government, the marching band, and the school band.  His rhythm also was evident on the dance floor; he loved to dance and even won a Charleston contest.

Ken enrolled at Brigham Young University in 1952 and majored in Physical Education and Health.  He was active in several groups.  He played drums in the Varsity Band and the snare drum with the Pep Band. The Pep Band's rousing renditions and lively choreography thrilled the spectators, both at home games and wherever the team traveled.  He toured with the Program Bureau, was the vice president of the Inter-organizational Council, was a member of the Legislative Council, and was the Vice Duke for the Intercollegiate Knights.  This group selected Ken to represent them in the school-wide Mr. and Miss Formal contest, which was voted on by the entire student body.  He won.  Ken was a member of the Viking Social Unit; and in 1956, the Vikings won the annual Songfest competition for the song, "With You," which was co-written by Ken.  During his senior year, Ken was asked to teach at Panguitch High School for one-half year.  He then returned to BYU to graduate in 1957.

After graduation, Ken was drafted into the Army in 1957 and attended boot camp in Colorado. He then served through 1958 in Munich, Germany. While there, his squad and several others participated in a bivouac, during which they underwent extensive testing, both mental and physical.  His team won the base's championship, and he finished in the top three participants.  Following his squad leader's mishap with a rifle, Ken was put in charge of the squad.  He then served in Munich, Germany.

After returning from Germany, Ken began his teaching career at Panguitch High School.  As an educator, athletic coach, mentor, and author, Ken was loved and respected by students and parents, alike.  He used his musical talent to write the lyrics and music for four junior proms.  Also, he played the piano and directed many productions, such as Panguitch High School's performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business."

Ken moved to Denver, Colorado, where he attended night school to become certified to teach English. At Red Rock he taught English, math, and physical education; and at Drake he taught English and coached.  Over the years, he received numerous teaching awards.

Throughout his life, Ken shared his tremendous musical talent.  He is best remembered for his ability to write music and to play the piano for long stretches of time without referring to sheet music.  He played often at weddings, receptions, funerals, parties, reunions, and other special events.  In the year 2000, at the Panguitch all-class reunion, Ken was chosen to direct the musical celebration, which highlighted local talent through the years.  The closing number was a four-piano performance of "Malaguena" by Ken, Kay Richards, Lamott Houston, and Evan Excel.  A repeat performance was requested many times throughout the years.

Dorothy's favorite memories of Ken:

"Kenneth and I have had a super relationship as brother and sister.  We have done many things together since we were kids.  We were just a year apart in school, so we had many of the same friends.  A memory I will cherish is that he recently told me that I was always his best friend and that he wouldn't trade his years in Panguitch for anything.  I will always hold Kenneth close to my heart."

Frank's favorite memories of Ken:

"Thanks to Ken for being the best role model I could have had.  Thanks, also, for a lifetime of wonderful memories, such as the three-tiered baseball field we built and the hundreds of hours we spent playing baseball there; his letting me be the catcher on the city baseball team; and on the day our father drowned on Panguitch Lake, his coming to find me on the back porch of the old Cooper home and, in his calm, caring way, helping me to understand."

Ken is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol.  He is survived by his sister Dorothy (Art) Chidester of Highland, Utah; his brother, Frank (Judy) Cooper of Saint George, Utah; and his partner Jerry Ives of Lakewood, Colorado.  The family offers special thanks to Jerry for his companionship and for his exceptional care of Ken during the last several years.  Also, thanks to Ken's nephew Brad Chidester and his wife, Lei, for the visits, card games, and many hours of care.

Ken requested to be cremated and to have his ashes spread on the hills above Panguitch Lake.

Through his music and ability to include others, Ken provided fond memories for many people.  Also, he will be remembered for his unusually warm, friendly personality that put others at ease; for his integrity; and for his kindness.

A Memorial Service will be held for Ken on Thursday, August 18th at 11:00am at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227. For those who are unable to join us personally, please join us virtually by clicking on the following link: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/arthurc1

Additional Options to connect:
Dial-in number (US): (720) 527-5820;  Access code: 8888882
Find your local number: https://fccdl.in/i/arthurc1
Having trouble connecting? Text 'Call Me' to (720) 527-5820 to receive a call back; then dial 8888882 to join the meeting. Standard Messaging rates may apply.

Please leave memories and condolences for Ken by signing the tribute wall.