Obituary of William Coop

William Henry Coop May 22, 1935 - June 23, 2012 William Henry Coop was born in Portis, Kansas and spent the majority of his career in several prestigious aerospace industry leadership roles before founding the Dallas, TX based Entronics Corp. Throughout his life, Bill established residency in several states including Kansas, Oregon, Washington, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and finally settling in his favorite location, Camas, Washington. Bill experienced many things in his life including achieving an FAA commercial pilot license with his wife Nora. Bill's unique aerospace career landed on the planet Mars when in the mid 70's he led the team of engineers responsible for the design and deployment of the soil sampling equipment for the two Viking explorer missions. Bill's name remains engraved on the Viking landers today and forever. Bill especially enjoyed fishing and boating on his cabin cruiser in Marina Del Ray, CA. Bill also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and other family members. Bill is survived by his brother, James Coop, sisters Marguerite Bowen and Anita Bonney, son Phil Coop, and his wife Priscilla, and their kids Joseph, Jennifer, and Emily; daughter Kathy Cruz and her husband Joe. He was a wise and very well educated man who contributed much to his family, those around him, and the aerospace community A private "celebration of life" ceremony will be held in Bill's honor by his immediate family members. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.