John Wayne Cooper, MD

January 22,1942 - December 14, 2018

John Wayne Cooper of Novato, CA, passed away surrounded by loving family on the morning of December 14th, 2018, at the age of 76.

Wayne, “Doc” or “Coop” as many knew him, was born on January 22, 1942 in Boulder, CO to Velma Marie Davis and John Alvin Cooper.

He spent a unique childhood growing up in East LA with his beloved brother Glen Cooper and close extended family members especially his cousins. He often spoke of the joy of living in a diverse neighborhood alongside people of every ethnicity and religious belief who filled his young life with warmth, acceptance and adventure. That acceptance was reflected toward others throughout his entire life. Wayne received a fine education in a faith based community of Seventh Day Adventists, graduating from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1968 and following graduation he served in the United States 8th Army, Korea. Captain Cooper cherished his days as a Medical Officer at Camp Carroll living on the grounds of a Benedictine Abbey with his first wife Judith Benbrook and baby daughter Laura Cooper. Wayne spent many off duty hours offering his medical talent in a nearby orphanage in Waegwan.

Dr. Cooper spent the last 40 years of his life as a solo Family Physician in Novato, CA. He shared wisdom, talent skill and compassion with family, friends and patients over those years. His calm witty and philosophical approach helped many face the challenges of everyday life.

John Wayne Cooper was preceded in death by his parents Velma Marie Davis and John Alvin Cooper.

He will be tenderly remembered by his wife Shaun Faherty Cooper, his children Laura Cooper (and Paul Smith), Todd Lindsay Cooper and Grandson Tyler Cooper, Miles Millstone (and Alicia Chavarria) and Serena Millstone de Arenas, Rafael Arenas and Granddaughter Natalia Arenas, his Brother Glen Cooper, nephew Jake Cooper, Uncle Arthur Davis, and many other dear ones across the USA and Mexico.

Of special note, all Shaun’s Pennsylvania family, Mother Helen Faherty age 96, Sister Elizabeth and Skeeter Rodd and children, Brother Bart and Carol Faherty and children of Southampton, and Wayne’s camping buddy, Brother Edward “Eddie the Imp” Faherty (and Sue Ryan) and the Mary Lee (deceased) and Lyn Davis families of Boyertown, will all miss Wayne’s loving spirit and funny antics.

A memorial celebration of life is planned for the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider a donation to any of these organizations.

North Bay Community Services

Yosemite Conservancy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital