Rev. Dr. Murray M. Cooper

Rev. Dr. Murray M. Cooper of Richland, MI

Murray, age 69, died Thursday evening, May 31, 2018, at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell, MI, following a 6-month illness.

Murray, only child of William and Adelaide (Thompson) Cooper, was born in South Bend, IN on September 11, 1948. He was a 1967 graduate of Niles High School. He attended Michigan Technological University and transferred to Western Michigan University where he received his BS degree in Biology and Mathematics in 1970. He received his MS degree in Biostatistics in 1978 and his Ph.D. Degree in 1981 from the University of Michigan. He received an M.Div. Degree from Western Theological Seminary in Holland , Michigan in 2016.

Murray began his career a biostatistician at the Upjohn Co. and retired as a Senior Research Biostatistician from the Pfizer Co. in 2008. He served as Adjunct Professor at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo from 1985-1990 and was published in several professional journals and publications. In his second career, Murray was the Congregational Care Coordinator at the Richland Presbyterian Church of Richland and assisted with pastoral care and Christian Education. He also served as a Chaplain at Bronson Methodist hospital, Kalamazoo for the last year.

Murray was one of the founding members of the Richland Area Community Center and the Gull Lake Community Schools Fine Arts Foundation and past president of the Gull Lake School Board. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Kalamazoo Garden Council, and the Chula Vista Garden Club. He was a ham radio operator and a member of the Kalamazoo Radio Club. Murray loved science in all aspects while enjoying rocketry, gardening, hiking and was an avid reader.

Murray was united in marriage to the former Carol Buckley in Richland on July 12, 2008 and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Benjamin (N'tina) Cooper of Vienna, VA; Rebecca Alway-Cooper of Otsego, MI; Anna (Dirk) Dunham of Cleveland, OH and Andrew Alway-Cooper of Otsego, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Murray's life will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 8047 Church Street, Richland, 49083 with the Rev. Dr. Mark Jennings, Pastor, officiating. Murray's family will greet friends in the Gull Prairie Room of the Church immediately following the Service. Final interment will be in the First Presbyterian Memorial Gardens, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Murray's honor may be directed to the Church (see address above). The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Murray's family.