Tobias Cooper

Tobias B. Cooper of Bellevue, WA passed away December 21, 2009 in Bellevue, WA. He was born May 22, 1921 in Lyman WA to Clifford P. and Ona Elizabeth Cooper. He attended Bellingham High School where he learned to play the saxophone, graduating in 1939. Following high school Tobe played the sax with a band around town while working various other jobs. He served for three years in World War II as a Sergeant at Fort Lewis. He met Eleanor Maude Gillespie at Hardwick’s Soda Fountain in Bellingham; they were married in Seattle on April 30, 1949. Tobias began a long career with Union Oil, initially in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska where he and Eleanor survived the great Alaska earthquake in 1964. He continued with Union Oil after moving to Bellevue, WA in 1966. Tobe loved his job that involved traveling throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. He and Eleanor enjoyed many car vacations. Tobe loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He also loved watching sports and was an avid WSU Cougar fan. Tobe is survived by his brother Clifford R. Cooper of Kirkland, WA, sister Joanne Ruthford of Bellingham, WA, and eleven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eleanor in 2007.  A graveside service will be held promptly at 11:30 AM, December 31, 2009 at Tahoma National Cemetery: 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042-4868. Arrangements are under the direction of Barton Family Funeral Service, Kirkland, WA.