Douglas Whittier Cooper

Douglas Whittier Cooper, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at home in Watsonville, California, on November 22, 2022. Doug was born on September 15, 1939, in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Harold and Agnes Cooper.

After graduating from Newport Harbor High School, Doug worked for the US Forest Service as a fire fighter, ranger, and fire prevention officer. While at the forest service, several of his friends who were Highway Patrol Officers encouraged Doug to pursue a career as a patrol officer. Doug attended and graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 1966. Known as “Trooper Cooper”, Doug served as a CHP officer for almost 30 years, the last 10 of which he served as a commercial officer stopping trucks traveling through town. According to his colleagues, he was well known, occasionally feared, but always well respected in the local trucking community. Doug retired in 1995.

Doug had a big heart, even though he may have come across as gruff at times. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or to tell you how to do it, even if you already knew how. He had a great sense of humor and a sparkle in his eye. Doug spoke frankly and honestly, and most of the time without a filter. He loved traveling, motorcycle trips, camping, and fishing trips. His family and friends were the most important thing in his life, and he was willing to do anything for them and loved spending time with them.

Doug was predeceased by his parents and his brother Peter. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, son Kevin (Andy Horstmanshoff), daughter Laurie (Doug) Martin, and stepchildren Chuck (Sheila,

deceased) Gates, Peter (Ghi) Gates, Connie Gates, Loretta (Carlos) Sanchez, Chris Favre, Shannon Gates (Sean Markley), 19 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and numerous family and friends.

A Celebration of Life in Doug's honor will be held on January 14, 2023, at 1 pm, at the Corralitos Grange Hall, 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville, CA 95076.