Stephen Cooper

Long-time Alaskan Stephen Cooper died in Fairbanks on April 19th, 2025, at the age of 87. 

     Stephen was the fourth of six children born to Frederick and Katherine Cooper in Mount Holly, New Jersey. The family later moved to a farm in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania.

     Stephen attended Temple University in Philadelphia. In 1958, looking for adventure, he transferred his credits to the University of Alaska, hitchhiked to Seattle, and got on a plane to Anchorage. He graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, in 1959 and spent the summer working as a firefighter for BLM. Stephen then enlisted with the Army for a three-year tour of duty. He was sent to the Army Language School in California and trained to a high level of fluency in German. The Army stationed him in Berlin, where he worked as an interrogator of refugees.

      He left military service in August 1962 and attended Boalt Hall School of Law in Berkeley.  He graduated with an Ll.B. Degree in 1965. Stephen returned to Alaska in 1969. He worked first in Juneau and later in Nome.  From 1969-1971 Stephen was the district attorney in Fairbanks. He also commercial fished in Bristol Bay the summers of 1970 and 1971. In August 1971 he was appointed assistant U.S. Attorney in Fairbanks.  He served for 47 years with the U.S. Attorney's Office compiling a total of 53 years in the legal profession.

     Stephen was active for many years as a lay minister in the Church of the Redeemer, a local traditional Anglican congregation. He was ordained to the ministry in April 2018 and faithfully served as rector for the next seven years, till his death. He was deeply sincere in his Christian faith.

      In addition to his legal career and church ministry, many people in Fairbanks knew Stephen Cooper as a pilot. He enjoyed flying his 1942 Beechcraft biplane as well as smaller bush planes, and was active in various aviation organizations. He attained the rank of major in the Civil Air Patrol.

     An appreciation of classic vehicles, classic movies, and fine craftsmanship was characteristic of Stephen Cooper. He enjoyed the wilderness and was intrigued by natural medicines. Other interests included fishing, trapping, hunting, bagpipe playing, and military history. He loved classical music, traditional hymns, and the folk music of various cultures, especially Celtic.

     Stephen was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Katherine Cooper and sisters Martha Anne, and Mary Elizabeth (Albert) Malischewski.  He is survived by his brothers Paul (Therese), David (Gay), and Andrew (Mary Ann decd.) Cooper. Surviving nephews are Gregory, Timothy, Peter, John, Albert, Ron, and Vincent Cooper. Surviving nieces are Margo, Margaret Dawn, Mary Beth, Katherine Ann, Patricia, Sarah, and Jennifer Lee.

     Stephen was an active member of the local Pioneers Igloo #4, Alaska Airmens Association, QB Club, Civil Air Patrol, California Bar Association, and the Alaska Bar Association. He leaves behind many friends who will remember him as a kind, quiet, highly intelligent gentleman.

     Stephen's life in Alaska spanned 57 years of adventure and service. He was in many ways the quintessential old-time Alaskan. He requested that his ashes be scattered in the hills around Beaver Creek, where he used to trap. 

     Funeral Services will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, AK, Wednesday, June 4th, at 1:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Aurora Pointe, 570 Funk Rd,

Fairbanks, AK, Wednesday, June 4th, at 7:00 PM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Cooper, please visit our floral store.