Obituary

Bruce Nutting Cooper died peacefully on April 9, 2021 at the age of 88 in Bellingham, Washington, where he had been living for the last three years.

Born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, Bruce spent most of his formative years in Connecticut, where he attended the King School in Stamford before attending and graduating from Bowdoin College where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi. Following college, he worked his way over to Europe on a freighter, followed by time served in Korea with the Army Signal Corp. After his time in the Army, he married Virginia ‘Ginny’ Kendall the mother of his three children, and they divorced in the mid 70’s.

In 1979, Bruce married Karen Peterson to whom he was introduced through mutual friends. He spent most of his working life selling and helping high tech companies create workspaces in Silicon Valley, culminating in Silicon Valley Shelving (“SVS”), a business he co-founded in 1987.

Following retirement, he and his wife and dogs moved their home base to the Central Coast of California which served as their hub as they pursued adventure together, exploring the United States, Canada, and Mexico, putting 160k miles on four motor homes over 20 years. As travels began to slow, they settled in Arizona.

Bruce was a kind, social, and charming guy, punny with good wit and fun ’til the end. He was inspired by great views and enjoyed many travel adventures. He was an athlete and quite active throughout his life, playing tennis and pickle ball into his early 80’s. He loved to listen to, review the stats of, and watch professional sports, especially tennis, baseball, and football. He fancied a big breakfast, desserts – Oreo’s were a favorite treat – and a good scotch.

Bruce is survived and missed very much by: his wife of 42 years, Karen; his children Kim Cooper of Seaview, WA, Ken (Julie) Cooper of Bellingham, WA, and Carrie (Michael) Cooper Pruitt of Cashmere, WA; his grandchildren Zoe, Rowyn, Joseph, Noah, Aidan, and Ginny; his younger sister Marilynn Geiger of Geneva, Switzerland; nephews Christian Geiger and Geoffrey Geiger; his great-nieces Mia and Clara, and great-nephew Ethan.

Donations in memory of Bruce Cooper can be sent to: King School Development Office, 1450 Newfield Ave. Stamford, CT 06905. Checks can be made out to King School, and write in the memo line “Kenneth and Harriette Cooper Prize.” Gifts can also be made here.

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If you would like to view the recording of Bruce’s Zoom memorial service, please email Carrie at cpruitt1231@gmail.com and she will send you the link.