George Heayward Cooper

North Logan - George Heayward Cooper, 70, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2012 due to his third occurrence of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was first diagnosed in the spring of 2002. We feel that his excellent medical care, positive attitude, and love for others were the reasons that he continued to live a productive and fulfilling life.
George was born January 8, 1942 in Columbia, SC to Colie B. and Hazel Cox Cooper. He was the 2nd of 6 children. His family later moved to Columbus, GA where George graduated from Baker High School in 1961. Last fall George was able to attend his 50th class reunion, where he loved getting reacquainted with former classmates and dancing with his wife, Dee. George enlisted in the Army in 1963 and was stationed in Sacramento, CA where he met and married Patricia Mendoth. He was deployed to Italy where their first child Geoff was born. After three years of service, they returned to California and settled in Fair Oaks where Kevin joined the family. George was employed at the Sacramento Army Depot where he continued to work in telecommunication repair until retirement in 1994. During this time, thanks to the example of kind and loving neighbors they became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After fostering several newborns, they decided to adopt and Kristie became a special addition to their family. This lead to their becoming friends with Chad and Dee Jukes whose daughter Jennifer was the same age.
George and Patty divorced in 1992. He began dating his dear friend, Dee, a couple of years after the death of her husband, Chad. They were married June 25, 1996 in Atlanta, GA. That July, George, Dee, Kristie, Jenn, Chad and Thom moved to North Logan, UT so Dee could continue her education at Utah State University. George earned his CNA at Bridgerland Applied Technology Center and was employed by Sunshine Terrace in transportation for ten years. He loved the work he did. The relationships he built with patients, families, and co-workers were very important to him.
George valued his membership in the LDS church. His various callings included; Young Men’s leader, Primary worker, Nursery leader, High Priest , Sunday School Secretary, Ward Librarian . . . He was also a caring, dependable Home Teacher to many families.
George is survived by his wife Dee Jukes-Cooper of North Logan, his sons Geoff and Kevin of Orangevale, CA, Chad Jukes of Ridgway, CO, Thom (Crystel) Jukes of Logan, UT, daughters Kristie (Shawn) Ruffell of Provo, UT, Jenn (Joshua) Roberts of Weston, ID and daughter-in-law April of Sebastapol, CA. Grandchildren Taylor, Tessa, Karlee, Trey, Kevin, Kyle, Hannah, Skylee, Neil, Ralph and two that will be born in April. He is also survived by his sisters Betty (Kelly) Jackson of Richmond Hill, GA, Gail (Phillip) Guyette of Columbus, GA, Barbara (James) Cook of Phenix City, AL, his only brother Ray (Lorna) of Rancho Cordova, CA, his special aunt Genethel (Carl) Duncan of Huber Heights, OH, mothers-in-law Polly Blackett of Folsom, CA, Delma Jukes of Marysvale, UT, Dena Blackett of Natomas, CA along with treasured nieces , nephews, other in-laws and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, Gloria Newell and grandson, Alex.
Our family wishes to thank Drs. Ben-Jacob, Otrusnik, and Call along with their staffs for outstanding treatment over the years. We are most grateful for the kind and compassionate care that George received at Logan Regional and McKay-Dee Hospitals prior to his passing away. Especially that of Dr. Julia Whitaker, the 5th floor nurses, Dr. Wood and his hospice team. We were so grateful for “the best room in the house” overlooking the peaceful pond, awesome mountains, views of sunrises and sunsets and the opportunity for friends and family to visit “one last time”. George will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2012, in the North Logan 13th Ward chapel, 1850 N. 400 E. There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 N. and prior to the funeral service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at the North Logan Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests you donate to support the Annie Taylor Dee Guest Home at www.mckaydeefoundation.org or by calling Noelle (801) 698-2418. Condolences may be expressed online with the family at www.allenmortuaries.net .