Thomas Cooper

I could hear the Harley rumbling, growing louder, closer. Holding his cold, frail hand, I leaned forward, whispering, “Can you hear it? It’s calling your name. It’s ok…let go. Take that ride on Heaven’s highway.”

On December 21, 2025, Thomas I. Cooper, 89, did take his final ride, shedding the burdens of a 3-year battle with cancer. Left in a huge, lonely void are his wife, Tanny; children, Carol, Nancy, Sharyll, Art, and their families; the surviving family of Peggy; his brother, Wes; sisters, Lanore, Georgetta, and Bobbie; niece, Amber VanNess and family; friends but family, Bill and Sue Cordsen; and grandson-of-heart, Brandon Davies. He is preceded in death by his parents, George Cooper and Leona Thacker; brother, Gilbert; daughter, Peggy; and grandson, Kit.

There will be many with fond recollections of his famous “Management by Walking” strategies along with his fierce dedication to the Colorado Department of Corrections facilities, staff, and inmates under his watch. Then again, it might be his love of the ocean, beach, and Mexico; or his passion for riding in the wind. He was, after all, the epitome of a life well lived. At his insistence, there will be no services.

IN COLOR

We walked into the solemn church,
So quiet and heavy in sorrow.
Scanning the sea of mourners,
We choose to stand by the very back door.
My husband shakes his head and whispers,
“Hon, when I finally go,
No services echoing in tears of grief;
No suits or ties, or dresses in black.
Celebrate the colors of my life—
A tapestry intricately woven in hues
Of who I was and the legacy I leave behind,
Blue, yellow, orange, red, green—
Each reflecting who I have been.”

From WARNING–Hazardous Obstacle Ahead–CANCER, 2024
By
TannyLee Cooper
 

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