Dale Spence Cooper

Dale Spence Cooper—known to family and friends as Spence and affectionately nicknamed “Scoop” by his Air Force colleagues—passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, in Layton, Utah, encircled by loved ones who cherished him most.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 20, 1944, he was named in honor of his uncle, Spence Robert “Bud,” who gave his life in World War II. From a young age, Spence embodied the values of honor, service, and quiet faith that would shape every chapter of his life.

After catching sight of Patricia Ann Griffiths at a church activity and telling his best friend, “I’m going to marry that girl someday,” he did just that. Spence and Pat were married in 1968 and spent the next 57 years building a life filled with love, purpose, and devotion to one another.

Spence served a full-time mission for his church in Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. He later earned degrees in Education, Logistics Management, and Music from both Harvard and Arizona State University. Though he was awarded a full scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music, he chose instead to serve a mission—an early example of the selfless choices that defined his life. He was a gifted musician, proficient in nearly every instrument (except piano), and played first-chair clarinet at ASU.

In June 1969, Spence began a distinguished 23-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. As Logistics and Supply Commander, his assignments took him and his family around the world—including Colorado, Alaska, Germany, Georgia, Arizona, California, Utah, Thailand, and Egypt. He was a decorated veteran of both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. His leadership and integrity earned him roles far beyond his rank, and he received numerous honors, including:

• The Air Force Commendation Medal (3 times) • The Meritorious Service Medal (3 times) • The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 times) • The Air Force Achievement Medal • The Outstanding Marksman Medal for both pistol and M-16 (3 times each) • Graduate of the Air Command and Staff College

One of his proudest recognitions came in 1978 when he won a national Freedom Foundation contest with a heartfelt letter titled “Dear Son,” written to his then eight-month-old boy, Jeff. In it, he explained why he proudly wore the uniform of his country. His words, like his life, reflected unwavering patriotism and love of family, faith, and fellow man.

Following his military retirement in 1992, Spence embarked on a second career as Purchasing Director at Modesto Junior College, where his kindness, leadership, and work ethic earned the respect of all who worked with him.

Spence’s faith remained the foundation of his life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in leadership roles wherever he lived—including Branch President, Bishop, Counselor, and High Counselor. In retirement, he and Pat served three additional full-time missions: one in Japan and two stateside in Layton and Ogden, Utah. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man and spent a lifetime supporting the Boy Scouts of America, embodying the values of service, integrity, and leadership it represents. Through his example, he not only inspired his own son to earn the same rank but also influenced and encouraged many other young men over the years to live with honor, purpose, and compassion.

Spence loved the outdoors—fishing, hunting, camping, and cooking with Dutch ovens—and found joy in working with his hands. He was a gifted woodworker and photographer, known for his handcrafted gifts. Whether behind a camera lens, making music, or casting a line, Spence brought creativity, thoughtfulness, and care to everything he did—handcrafted echoes of his love. He shared those passions generously with his children and grandchildren, teaching us not only the skills, but the deeper meaning behind them: patience, reverence for creation, and pride in a job done well. His legacy lives on in every campfire recipe we still cook, every carved gift we treasure, and every photo that catches the light just right. We are grateful beyond words to have inherited not just his talents, but his spirited way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.

He and Pat raised five children and later fostered two daughters, Camille and Patty, while stationed in Germany—welcoming them with open arms and full hearts. Spence loved his family deeply.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Cooper, and their children: Lisa Cooper-Stevenson (Don Stevenson, deceased), Leslie Cooper Sullivan (Erin Sullivan), Michelle Whitman (Blake Whitman), Jeff Cooper (Michelle Trovão), Jenny Calderon (Angel Calderon). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his younger brother, Charles Cooper (Sandy Cooper).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Johnson Cooper and Dale Francis Cooper; his younger siblings Steve Cooper and Carol Cooper Larson; his son-in-law Don Stevenson; and his foster daughter Camille Couch.

Spence will be remembered for his humor, abundance of strength, deep faith, and lifelong devotion to his family and country. His legacy of love, service, and sacrifice lives on in all who had the honor to know him. His life was a masterclass in integrity, leadership, and unwavering devoted service. He leaves behind a legacy not just in the medals and milestones, but in the hearts of all who knew him.

From his eternal companion and children:

We love you. Though we miss you with an ache that echoes daily, we rejoice in the sacred promise that this parting is not the end. We will see you again—and when we do, it will be forever.

Funeral services will be held Thursday July 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton Hills Ward Chapel, 3290 N. 1050 E., Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Interment will be held at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veterans’ organization or to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Dale’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com

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