Gordon Norman Cooper, 85, of Simsbury and Clinton died February 19, 2017. Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diana Hendley Cooper, three children: Amy Kvistad of Beverly, Mass., Dwight Cooper and his wife Laura of Andover, Mass., and David Cooper and his wife Simonée of Scarsdale, New York, and six wonderful grandchildren: Christina and Daniel Kvistad, Corey, Eric, Dawson James, and Dakota Cooper.
Gordon was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, son of the late Frederick and Katherine Cooper. Gordon grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, and lived most of his married life in Simsbury. He was predeceased by his brother, Frederick Cooper, of Newport, Rhode Island. Gordon graduated from Boston University School of Management and later received his CPCU professional designation. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at BU. Gordon was an officer in the Property & Casualty Department of The Travelers, retiring in 1992. After retiring from the Travelers, he was associated with Farmington Management, Inc. a subsidiary of Aetna Life & Casualty.
Gordon served as a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the Simsbury United Methodist Church, Duck Island Yacht Club, and the Simsbury Encore Club. Gordon loved playing bridge and tennis. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Basketball. Gordon spent winters cross-country skiing, and especially enjoyed the family’s annual February vacation in Stowe, Vermont where he skied at Trapp Family Lodge. He enjoyed spending summers with his family at the Connecticut shore and sailing his Catalina sailboat to Block Island, Cuttyhunk, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Through his passion for nature, outdoor activities, exercise, and healthy living, Gordon has been an inspiration to his children and grandchildren.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 25th at 12 Noon at the Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. A burial service for family will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the American Diabetes Association. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Gordon’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.