Obituary for Dan Cooley

These Things I Do. “That Others May Live.”

1948 – 2009

Daniel Wilson Cooley, age 60, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in his Tahoe Donner home, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Dan was born on December 26, 1948 in Long Beach, CA, to the late Jack Cooley and Joyce Holcomb Cooley. He moved to Riverside, CA at a young age where he enjoyed a lively and eventful childhood with his brothers Michael Cooley and Steven Cooley.

He enlisted in the Army after High School and served his country for 2 Years and 8 Months. He served two and one half tours in the Vietnam Conflict in the 118th Assault Helicopter Company under the 145th Aviation Battalion. He then transferred into the U.S. Air Force serving in the 15th Air Force, 22nd Bomb Wing Combat Support Group or (SAC). He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Metal, Aircraft Crewman badge, Army Commendation Metal, Air Metal, Air Force Commendation Metal, Air Gallantry Cross and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry including Second award, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Metal 1st Class, the Presidential Citation, and various other Sundry Citations. He was a decorated soldier who served His country with joy and pride.

After serving in the military he returned to Riverside, CA where he attended Riverside City College and enjoyed living at the historic Mission Inn. In 1977, Dan moved to Truckee, CA with his family, fulfilling his dream of living in a mountain community. He enjoyed Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe, and all it had to offer. He also enjoyed snow skiing at the local ski resorts. In 1989 Dan became a licensed painting contractor and owned a local painting company until 2001, when he became disabled, and transferred ownership of High Sierra Painting, to his son Kipp Cooley.

During his years in Truckee Dan served the community on various boards, including the Truckee Donner PUD, the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, and the Sierra Meadows Property Owner’s Association. He created the Highway 267 Bypass Project Committee as well as the steering committee to move the old Agriculture Station. He was an outspoken member of his community, and had passion for everything he believed in. He attended Calvary Chapel of Truckee and went to Bible College through his church. Before his death, he also became an ordained Pastor through The United Full Gospel Church Association World‐Wide. He also founded an internet ministry called MilitaryFaith.com.

Dan is survived by his son Kipp Cooley, and his wife Regina Cooley of Truckee CA, two grandchildren, Shelby and Tristen Cooley, his brother Steven Cooley of Aptos, CA, and an uncle, Robert Cooley who resides in Southern California. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother. He is also survived by extended family members in Truckee, CA. He married twice and had one son and two step children.

A memorial service celebrating Dan Cooley’s life was held at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 18, 2009 at the Truckee River Regional Park in the lower BBQ Area on the river below the amphitheater.

Biographical information provided by son Kipp Cooley July 11, 2009