Bernard Morris Cooper passed away peacefully in Tacoma, Washington on January 17 at the age of 94. Bernie was born to Mark and Vera Cooper January 2, 1930, in Wheatland, Wyoming. Bernie grew up with his brother and sister, Mervin and Dona, in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado. The family moved to Everett, WA in 1943. Bernie graduated from Everett High School in 1947 and from Pacific University in 1951. He married Margaret Gaston of Everett in 1951. Bernie served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 as a Private First Class with the 148th Graves Registration in Wonju, Korea. As Margaret and Bernie raised a family in Raymond and Tacoma, Bernie worked for Weyerhaeuser. After 43 years working for Weyerhaeuser, he retired as their Financial Manager for Western Sales in 1994.

Bernie was a devoted Christian. He was a member at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Tacoma beginning in 1964. He served as treasurer at Bethany for 28 consecutive years and was the finance manager for Olympia Presbytery for 6 years. Bernie enjoyed many years playing slow pitch with the Weyerhaeuser 4 Square and Prime Time half-century plus teams. Bernie was the oldest longtime member of the Lion's Club joining first in 1957 and attending in Willapa Harbor, University Place, and finally in Lakewood. Travel with his beloved Margaret was a passion for Bernie. They enjoyed countless trips to Mexico and Hawaii as well as numerous family reunion trips to Sunriver, OR.

Bernie is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret. He is survived by his children Marian Johnson (Todd), Ellen Brown (Edwin), Jeanne Webb (Gary), Anne Cooper (Richard Barkosky), and Guy Cooper (Holly Nielsen); 10 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Bernie's sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his radiant smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on February 16, 2024, at Bethany Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Margaret and Bernard Cooper Memorial Endowment Fund, care of Bethany Presbyterian Church, 4420 N. 41st St. Tacoma, WA 98407. Please sign guestbook at www.newtacoma.com