David Cypher Cy Cooper, 67, went to home to the Lord early Saturday morning, December 1, 2018 in Houston, Texas, where he was being treated for stage four cancer. Cy was a lifelong resident of Farmington where he was a well-respected and well-loved civic leader. He and with his wife Manalynn were benevolent behind-the-scenes philanthropists.
He and Manalynn started Cy Cooper Company in 1975. As the company grew, so did his commitment and involvement in the community. His resume of service and civic involvement contains over 40 different significant service roles, with more than a dozen of those being the Chairman or President. Some of his favorite community services included Piñon Hills Community Church, San Juan Water Commission, Boys and Girls Club of Farmington, The First Tee, Southwest Bank, San Juan Economic Development, San Juan College Foundation, the New Mexico Construction Training Council, and general mentoring of innumerable people in his life. He was even-keeled, steady and stoic. When there was a need; whether it was cheering up sick children or getting a street paved, Cy got it done. He made good decisions and had a steadfast spiritual compass. One of his favorite things was to dress up as Santa Claus and deliver gifts to children in need. With his twinkling eyes and infectious laugh, he was a magnificent Santa. He loved the outdoors-skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing, and biking. He worked hard, and he played hard to the extent he broke his hip in a mountain bike crash in his early 60s, and upon recovery, he was back on his bike until last year. For Cy, boredom and being sedentary were never options. As his health declined, he sought out new activities, with his most recent hobbies being whittling miniature cowboys and making, and playing, cigar box guitars and basses. Since his illness, Cy's family has been touched by the outpouring of support and have been uplifted by how many have noted his innate kindness and goodness.
Cy is survived by Manalynn, his wife of 48 years, and his son Ireke (and wife Shantel) and daughter Alison. During his recent hospitalization, Cy introduced them to the doctors as his world. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tanner Cooper and wife Ashley, Reagan Kreidler and husband Trent, and Logan Cooper; his great grandson Weston Kreidler; his sister Kay McKinney; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Val Cooper, and his brother-in-law Jerry McKinney.
His Celebration of Life is Saturday, December 8, 2018, 10:00 AM at Piñon Hills Community Church, 5101 N. Dustin, Farmington, NM.
Those who so desire to may make memorial contributions, In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Piñon Hills Academy, 5101 N Dustin, Farmington, 87401.
Cy's arrangements are under the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street, Farmington, (505) 325-8688. You may share condolences with the family on their website: www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com