Bruce Nutting Cooper
July 12, 1932 - April 09, 2021
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Bruce Nutting Cooper
July 12, 1932 - April 09, 2021
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.
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King School Development Office
- Address: 1450 Newfield Ave. Stamford, CT 06905 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.kingschoolct.org/support-king/make-a-gift/other/bruce-cooper.
8 responses to Bruce Nutting Cooper
Katie Snodgrass says:
April 20, 2021
Carrie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find healing and comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of your Father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs,
Katie
Carolyn Solomon says:
April 21, 2021
To the family of Bruce
I met Bruce for the first time in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. What a fabulous time that was. It was to celebrate the 70th birthday of his sister, Marilynn, who is a close friend of mine here in Geneva Switzerland. Knowing Marilynn so well, I just knew that Bruce would be very special too – and he was! He was a delight to get to know – and of course as the week went on, a total joy! I was so sorry to hear the very sad news of his death.
My deepest sympathy for your great loss
Carolyn
The Koepp family says:
April 22, 2021
For Bruce’s family
Linda Lloyd da Silva says:
April 24, 2021
I am a recent friend of Marilynn’s in Geneva, Switzerland and have known Bruce only through the wonderful stories Marilynn has shared about her childhood with her dear brother. Her tales of homemade Halloween costumes and DIY haunts, the traditional birthday cake photo with Grandma Cooper’s ‘favorite’ cake, and many innocent naughty escapades with an older brother who loved her as much as she loved him… they were a pair living an idyllic childhood to the fullest. Bruce was the best ‘big brother’ any sister could hope for. I have delighted in getting to know him through Marilynn. It is clear he was a gentleman and a gentle soul through and through. May he rest in peace and joy, knowing he led a life well-lived, and leaves that wonderful legacy with every one he knew.
-Linda
mark and netty lindner says:
April 25, 2021
Our memories of Bruce’s life go back at least four decades.
We met through work as competitors but eventually became business partners. You could not have asked for a better colleague, always there, and getting along with everyone.
We have fond memories of many shared outings and experiences….
camping, ballooning in Napa, Sedona and the Vortex, pizzas and plays at the Mt. View Theater of Performing Arts, and so much more.
Bruce was always young at heart; playing his favorite sport tennis, pickle ball, and even acting out as a comic book hero on his eightieth birthday.
We will miss you dearly Bruce. You have been a big part of our lives.
With out heartfelt sympathy and love to Bruce’s family.
Mark and Netty Lindner