Kenneth Dean Cooper, Jr.

This fundraiser has been created to provide support for Kim Cooper, Hospice RN, in the wake of her husband's unexpected passing on January 3, 2024. All funds raised will support Kim and her family through this difficult time. Ken's obituary is included below; please consider donating. Any amount is appreciated and makes a difference.

Kenneth Cooper was 58 years old when he unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep, on January 3, 2024, at home with his dog, Zena, by his side.

Kenneth Dean Cooper Jr., son of Kenneth Dean Cooper and Constance Jo Cooper, was born on October 8, 1965, in Okinawa, Japan.

Ken grew up living the army brat life, he lived in Nebraska, Kansas, and Hawaii, to name a few places. Finally, his dad retired and moved the family to Ritzville, Washington, where they became a farming family. It was in Ritzville, where Ken earned his high school diploma. He enjoyed playing football for his high school team “The Broncos,” and even went to State for wrestling. After being an extraordinary athlete for his high school, he tried his hand at bull riding. He rode at many rodeos and even has a gnarly scar on his arm to prove it.

Ken then joined the Army, and upon returning from service, moved to Yakima, Washington, where his parents had relocated. It was there where he met his future wife. His dad told him to stay away from the girl across the street, but on December 10, 1994, he married that girl. Kimberly Katherine Immel and Ken Cooper moved all over the state, until finally settling back down in Yakima, Washington, where they continued to raise their children, Nikkole, Kenneth III (K.C.), and Kaitlyn.

Ken was a ‘jack of all trades.’ He worked as a diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and was the supervisor of transportation for Mattawa and Cle Elum School District, eventually getting certified to train new bus drivers. Ken and Kim drove long haul together and owned Cooper Trucking Co. They drove throughout the entire United States and Canada. When Kim got pregnant, Ken told her that he would sell the company and quit long haul trucking if they had a boy. In 1996, K.C. was born and the company was sold.

Kenny was working for a local dump truck company, laying fiber optic across Snoqualmie Pass, when he was injured in 1999. Unable to continue work in this profession, after a long battle and lots of therapy, he easily stepped into the role of being the most incredible stay-at-home dad.

Ken had many hobbies and a passionate love for the outdoors, which he passed on to his kids. The countless trips into the mountains for hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, cooking, surfing, snowmobiling, and restoring Jeeps. He was an amazing cook and loved feeding anyone who walked through his front door. Most importantly, Ken had the most unconditional, soul-consuming love for Jesus and his family. He was the greatest husband, dad, and papa.

Ken is survived by his wife of over 29 years, Kimberly Cooper, his father, Kenneth Cooper, his sister, Carah Cooper, his children, Nikkole Haase, Kaitlyn Cooper, Kenneth (K.C.) Cooper III and K.C.’s future wife, Kelli, his granddaughters, Phoebe, Evelyn, and Ellamae, and his “adopted” children, Justin Fear and Taylor Louis. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he adored. He is preceded in death by his mother, Connie Cooper, grandparents, Nance and Gerry Bauer, Margret Watson and Harold Cooper, and his dog, Shadow.

Please join family and friends to celebrate Ken’s life on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 12:00pm, at Yakima Alliance Church, which will also be live streamed on Facebook. A Graveside Service will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. Following the Graveside, there will be a Celebration of Life, at the Yakima Elks Golf Course, where we can wear our blue jeans and dance.

The family would like to thank Brookside, West Hills Memorial Park, and The Elks for making this Celebration of Life everything he would want it to be, as well as all the family, friends, and coworkers who have given us nothing but love and support.

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.