Obituary

Craig W. Cooley
1950 ~ 2021 (age 70)

Craig William Cooley went home to be with the Lord at Providence Saint Mary Medical Center – Walla Walla, WA on Thursday morning, January 28, at the age of 70. He was born on October 1, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Thomas Brewster Cooley and Merlyne Martha (Johanson) Cooley. He had four brothers, Thomas Jr., Dennis, Gerald (Hap), and Scott Craig lived in Minneapolis for his first eight years before moving to Dayton, Washington, where his father taught music. From there the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, living there until moving to Pendleton, Oregon, in 1966 where he met his future wife, Valarie Chaney. Craig married Valarie on September 4, 1971, at Peace Lutheran Church, Pendleton. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this September. Craig and Valarie raised three children: Carrie, Curtis, and Cory. Craig and Val lived in a variety of locations In Oregon and Washington besides Pendleton including: Heppner, OR Athena, OR Dayton, WA retiring in Echo, OR. Besides raising his three children, Craig was employed as a Licensed Respiratory Therapist. He and Valarie owned and operated Blue Mountain Home Medical Supply from 1999 until selling the medical equipment business December 2005 upon his retirement. Craig enjoyed camping, golfing, boating and fishing with his wife on the Columbia River and Brownlee Reservoir. He cherished the times spent camping and hunting with his sons and brothers and also coaching Little League baseball for his sons in Dayton, Washington. Hobbies included metal detecting and coin collecting. He was a great football fan “Go Hawks”, and enjoyed watching all his children and grandchildren play their sporting events: baseball, softball, track, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and football. Craig is survived by his wife Valarie, and his children: Carrie (Tim) Cary, Pendleton; Curtin (Sonia) Pendleton; and Cory (Stacy) Hermiston. Also his mother Merlyne Cooley (turning 100 in April 2021) and brothers: Dennis, Gerald/Hap, and Scott. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren including tow adoptees from Ethiopia. Craig was fondly known as “Bapa” by his grandchildren and he will be remembered for his faith and devotion to his family. Craig was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Brewster, eldest brother, Thomas Jr., and grandson Colton Cooley. We will miss him deeply, but take comfort in the knowledge that he is joyfully experiencing the joys of the Lord. A graveside service will be held at Olney Cemetery in August during their annual Cooley Family reunion and Craig’s family will conduct the service with singing, sharing of memories, and favorite scriptures at that time. Donations can be made in his memory to Shriner's Hospital or Make a Wish Foundation.