Michael Cooper

Michael Harris Cooper’s earthly journey has ended, yet his pursuit of the saints remains with those of us who hold him in our memories. The actions of his life resonated with the guidance of the most faithful. Michael’s mission was to console, rather than be consoled; to understand rather than be understood; to love rather than to be loved. He was a wise man who realized that it is in giving that we receive and in pardoning we are pardoned (St. Francis of Assisi). Moreover, Michael embraced the idea, “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.” (St. Teresa of Calcutta, a.k.a. Mother Teresa)

Michael was never far from “family”, be it his own, or the family that blossomed around him as a result of his gregarious nature and his abundant generosity. Michael (Mike) was the first of four children born to Theodore (Ted) Cooper and Vivian (Patsy) Cecilia Evans.

The brightest star in Michael’s universe and his greatest source of inspiration was his wife of 41 years, Frances Mary Czekuc. They met while attending Western Michigan University. They fell in love and were married on October 15, 1983. Michael would tell anyone within earshot that Frannie was his rock, his true North, and the reason he took breath in the morning. Theirs was a vibrant love affair. Their union produced two sons who Michael loved beyond description: Michael Kevin Cooper of Kalamazoo, MI and David Harris Cooper of Denver, CO (wife Natalie Janiene Cooper and daughter Blaire Amanda Cooper).

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Victoria Susan Cooper (Mitchell). He is survived by his sister, Mary Katerine Saxton (husband, Michael and their children Caitlyn, Nicholas, and Bridget along with Nick’s wife Brittney and son Henry), his brother in law William Mitchell (and nephew Brent), and his brother, Frank Victor (wife, Mary Quinn and their children: daughter, Quinn Cooper Eves, husband Luke, and their sons Frank and Jack; son, Theodore, wife Hope and daughter Mary Ruth; and daughter, Margaret).

Michael was a tractor beam of kindness who pulled people into his orbit with his laugh. He made friends with just about everyone he encountered in school (Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD, 1975; Western Michigan University, BS 1983; again Western Michigan University, Masters of Finance 1993) or on the job (Upjohn/Pharmacia and Pfizer for 16 years and Single Source Procurement for 17 years). His sense of humor and outrageous anecdotes (he was accused of never allowing facts to get in the way of a good story) charmed even the most dour audiences. He possessed eclectic tastes which expanded his “family”. These hobbies included golf, darts, cooking, reading, target shooting, and professional wrestling. (his Figure Four Leg Lock was formidable)

Michael displayed tremendous tenderness in his civic involvement in which he established an impressive legacy. In particular, he dedicated great energy to the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities of Kalamazoo.

Mike has departed, but not before leaving a deep hand print on our hearts with his consistent expressions good will, encouragement, love, and humor. As a way to remember Mike, we encourage you to respond with his most famous expression the next time someone asks you how you are doing … “if I was any better it’d be illegal!” … and be prepared for the smile, laugh, or humorous conversation that so often arises in response.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 15 at St. John Bosco, 23830 Front Street, Mattawan. Celebrate Michael’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ARK Services for Youth. The contact information is 990 W. Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 40998. http://ccdok.org/the-ark-shelter/ .269-381-9800