Phillip Cooper

To live and let live, without clamour for distinction or recognition; to wait on divine love; to write truth first on the tablet of one's own heart - this is the sanity and perfection of living. Mary Baker Eddy The greatest gift a man can give is never found wrapped in gold. It is the gift found in what he teaches that matters most of all. Phillip Cooper was a man who knew this better than most, a man who devoted his life to teaching those around him. He was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life, a life that touched so many others. He was a beloved teacher, a gifted artist, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Most of all, Phillip was a man who led as he always lived, quietly, modestly, and nobly, as an example to all who knew him. Phillips story began on a cool spring day in 1936, as the flowers began to bloom again in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were such difficult days in this country, which was still struggling to overcome the Great Depression. Amid these tough times, Cecil and Ruth (Weaver) Cooper found a reason to celebrate on Saturday, April 25, 1936, with the birth of their first child, a son they named Phillip Roe Cooper. Phillip was joined several years later by two little brothers, Patrick and David. Their father ran a music store in Grand Rapids, selling pianos and organs. Being the oldest, Phillip spent his fair share of time in his fathers store, where he adopted his dads love for music, if not the elder Coopers more contemporary musical taste. Phillip attended East Grand Rapids Schools, where he found a deep, lifelong love for learning, developing a curious mind to match his able intellect. He had a particular affinity for the liberal arts; music, art, and history pursuits he enjoyed and shared throughout his lifetime. After he graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1954, Phillip enlisted in the National Guard, ready to do his part for his country, and seeking a way to further his education. He would remain in the Guard for 10 years, though that decade had much more in store for him than merely military service. Phillip also began attending Grand Rapids Community College, and eventually transferred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he completed his bachelors degree. Later, Phillips love for learning led him to pursue his Masters degree at the University as well, fittingly enough, in teaching. Degree in hand, Phillip returned to his roots in Grand Rapids, where he quickly found a teaching job. He found much more back in his hometown, however. One bright September Sunday, Phillip put on his best suit and went to church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in downtown Grand Rapids. There he met a lovely young lady named Beverly Lewis, who he spotted standing in the church foyer. Beverly was from the other side of the state, in Flushing, but the two had much in common. Like Phillip, Beverly was a teacher, and went to college just down the road from him, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. The two began dating, fell in love and were married, on August 19, 1961, a hot, sunny summer Saturday in Flushing. The happy young couple started out in Grand Rapids, but two years later, Phillip found a new teaching position further west, in the charming shoreline city of Grand Haven. The two loved the area right from the start, and knew they had found a home. So they decided to build one. The couple found a gorgeous piece of land in nearby Spring Lake, tucked into the sandy hills and pines just up the bluff from Lake Michigan. There they would build their new home, in the manner that Phillip did everything, modestly, and patiently. They built much more than a house there, of course. They built a life together, and they built a family. Phillip and Beverly were blessed with their first child on May 20, 1967, a son they named David. Two years later, David was joined by his little brother James, on October 11, 1969. Phillip and Beverly added a daughter to the family on May 21, 1971, their beautiful baby girl Anne, who rounded out the happy household. The family did so much together through the years, and was as close-knit a clan as youd find anywhere. They spent sun-kissed summer days together on the beach, or walking through the woods behind their home. They attended the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Grand Haven together. And during the summers when Phillip wasnt teaching, they took trips around the state and the country. His children learned so much from their father over the years, as he quietly taught them through his words, his actions and his example. Phillip had a similar impact on many children through the years, though. He began his career in Grand Haven teaching at Ferry Elementary, and later at Griffin Elementary, where he taught nearly every age group during his 30-year career. Phillips impact on his students was immeasurable, and he always went above and beyond to help them any way he could. When a student struggled learning to read, Phillip was undaunted: he taught them anyway, without clamor for recognition, simply satisfied with sharing in the successes of those around him. Phillip retired from the school district in 1993, after 30 years there, though he never really retired from teaching. He graciously donated his time to summer reading programs, and enjoyed helping out at his granddaughters schools. Phillip was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren over the years, first his granddaughter Emilee, then Josephine, and later his grandson James II, each of whom he loved so dearly and made him so happy. Phillip found time to enjoy many of his other pursuits in retirement, particularly his passion for painting. He was a gifted artist, who created beautiful abstract watercolor landscapes, so elegant and understated. His works grace the homes of many of his family and friends, and won awards at local art shows. Phillip and Beverly also began to travel more, and saw many incredible places together. Being the lover of history that he was, he especially enjoyed visiting Ireland and England, where he traced his family roots. Phillip had a deep passion for all things British, including British dramas and comedies especially comedies. Phillip had a wonderful sense of humor, with the quick, gleeful laugh of a man truly young at heart. The couple also continued to work on their home over the years, like a living canvas they continually added to, changing and updating. Phillip loved architecture, particularly the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, and his home truly reflected that architects contemporary aesthetic and bond with nature. Later in retirement, Phillip slowed down, trading his brushes and canvas for the covers of whatever book he was reading and he was always reading something. He enjoyed going to the bookstore for an afternoon of browsing and some coffee, ever thirsty to learn something new. Phillip was a wonderful man who lived a wonderful life, a life devoted to the many people he touched around him. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, a talented artist and musician, and a man who led as he always lived, quietly, modestly, and nobly. Most of all, Phillip was a teacher by trade, and by choice, who taught many so much. Today his lessons, and his life, live on in all who knew him. He will be so greatly missed. Surviving Phillip are Beverly, his wife of 48 years; his sons, David Cooper of Wyoming, Mich., and James Cooper of Grand Haven; his daughter, Anne (Don) Shell of DeWitt; grandchildren: Emilee Cooper, Josephine Cooper and James Cooper II; brothers, Patrick (Diane) Cooper of Greenville and David Cooper of Coopersville; cousin, Sharon DeWaters of Vicksburg; brothers-in-law, Don (Nancy) Lewis of New York and David Lewis of Trout Lake; and good friend, Duane Rife.He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial reception will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2010, 1-4 p.m. at Grand Haven Community Center, Mackinaw Room. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.