LtCol Cooper

[Pat_Rogers]

Passed today around noon at the Sconce.
We are diminished.

[TOrrock]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I grew up reading Cooper's Corner in Guns and Ammo.

Thanks for posting this. As you said, we truely are diminished.

[graffex]

Wow, what an incredible life and an incredible man. He will surely be missed but through his work he will be with us forever. Rest in peace Col. :(

[Robb Jensen]

RIP Col. Cooper you'll be missed.

[Boom]

God please take him by the hand and show him the way to a blessed afterlife. Were it not for him I would not be here now. His knowledge he has passed onto others has saved thousands from a untimely death including mine. Thank you for giving LtCol. Cooper to us for the 80 plus years he was here. He has directly affected many lives on this small rock. He deserves eternal happiness. I hope you will find it in your heart to hold him and place him close to your heart. For he truly is my brothers keeper.

[AMMOTECH]

R.I.P. Sir.

:(

[K.L. Davis]

One of my teachers once said after reading a line from Act V, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar, that if Brutus were to be around today, he would have a "No Fear" sticker on his truck... but, there really is no substitute for the original.

Why, then, lead on. O, that a man might know
The end of this day's business ere it come!
But it sufficeth that the day will end,
And then the end is known. Come, ho! away!

Whether work of man, or a man himself... there are those that will forever be above reproach. Godspeed Col. Cooper.

[TREE]

Wow. :(

[Bulldog1967]

Rest in Peace Col. Cooper...and thank you for showing us the way....

[RyanB]

I was enlisted to stack wood for the Coopers two Mays ago, and considered it an honor. My condolences to his family, especially to Mrs. Cooper. I can say without reservation that she is the most kind and gracious hostess I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Those of you who went to the Sconce for snacks and lemonade after graduation will know what I mean.

Sorry for rambling. I guess I am just thinking out loud.

[Heavy Metal]

This reminds me of a famous quote:

"If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."

The good Colonel was to the 'software' side of firearms what John Moses Browning was to the 'hardware'. Today, he has taken his long reserved and well earned place in that realm of giants.

Resquiat in Pax good Sir and may the blessings of God be forever upon you.

[Nathan_Bell]

His writing and philosophies of training and preparedness have shaped the shooting community for over 50 years. Pat is right, we are diminished.




Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled --
Further than ever comet flared or vagrant star-dust swirled --
Live such as fought and sailed and ruled and loved and made our world.
They are purged of pride because they died, they know the worth of their bays,
They sit at wine with the Maidens Nine and the Gods of the Elder Days,
It is their will to serve or be still as fitteth our Father's praise.

'Tis theirs to sweep through the ringing deep where Azrael's outposts are,
Or buffet a path through the Pit's red wrath when God goes out to war,
Or hang with the reckless Seraphim on the rein of a red-maned star.

They take their mirth in the joy of the Earth --
they dare not grieve for her pain --
They know of toil and the end of toil, they know God's law is plain,
So they whistle the Devil to make them sport who know that Sin is vain.

And ofttimes cometh our wise Lord God, master of every trade,
And tells them tales of His daily toil, of Edens newly made;
And they rise to their feet as He passes by, gentlemen unafraid.

To these who are cleansed of base Desire, Sorrow and Lust and Shame --
Gods for they knew the hearts of men, men for they stooped to Fame,
Borne on the breath that men call Death, my brother's spirit came.

He scarce had need to doff his pride or slough the dross of Earth --
E'en as he trod that day to God so walked he from his birth,
In simpleness and gentleness and honour and clean mirth.

So cup to lip in fellowship they gave him welcome high
And made him place at the banquet board -- the Strong Men ranged thereby,
Who had done his work and held his peace and had no fear to die.

Beyond the loom of the last lone star, through open darkness hurled,
Further than rebel comet dared or hiving star-swarm swirled,
Sits he with those that praise our God for that they served His world.


To Wolcott Balestier
by Rudyard Kipling

[one]

Farewell and thank you for the work that you did, and the wealth of knowledge that you left.

[DrMark]

RIP, COL Cooper.

[VA_Dinger]

Very sad news.

RIP

[Al U. 5811]

Thank you and Semper Fidelis, Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!

[45-Bravo]

Rest in Peace, Sir.