In Memoriam: Michael "Mike" Cooley ’65

Michael “Mike” Cooley ‘65 died June 18, 2022, at age 79. Cooley was born on April 13, 1943, to Wilhelmina and Harry Cooley. He graduated from Nestucca Union High School in Cloverdale, Ore. A sociology major at Pacific University, he went on to earn a master’s in education at Oregon State University.

Family meant everything to him. Cooley married the love of his life, Judith Marie Simmons ’69, on Aug. 28, 1965, at the St. John's United Church of Christ. The couple thoroughly enjoyed their life together, spending their time dancing and traveling to their children’s and grandchildren’s ball games.

In 1969, Cooley began working for Northwest Regional Education Service District (ESD) where he eventually became the regional director, a position that allowed him to oversee Clatsop, Colombia, Tillamook, and Washington county schools. He worked closely with several schools, such as St. Mary’s Home for Boys in Beaverton, and helped to create special schools for students with behavior and emotional needs. Cooley touched many lives during his employment at ESD and was known for having the ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

He spent his summers working at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds as the work crew manager. He looked forward to the Tillamook County Fair every year.

After a long and successful career, he retired from education. In retirement, Cooley enjoyed taking his family to Oregon State University football games, tailgating at games with his friends and family, and rooting for the Beavers.

Cooley is preceded in death by his mother, Wilhelmina; his father, Harry; his sister, Lorretta; and brothers, Jack and Gary. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children Matthew, Eric (and Debbie) and James (and Chris); grandchildren Natasha (and Cody), Trever Cooley, and Kayla Cooley; and two great-grandchildren Kamden and Easton.