Russell L Cooley

November 14, 1922-March 03, 2012 -

Russell passed away in his home surrounded by his family. He grew up in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Grant High School in 1942. Russell attended Oregon State University and soon after Uncle Sam called him into the United States Navy in February of 1943. He attended Boot Camp-Quartermaster School in Farragut, Idaho and the Amphibious Training Base in Solomans Maryland. Russell served on the USS LST 131 and the USS LST 551 where he held the rank “Quartermaster 1st Class.” He received an Honorable Discharge in December of 1945 and returned to school to graduate from Washington State with a BA in Animal Husbandry. He was an area manager for Swift and Company where he met and married the love of is life, Dolores Keliher Peterson on November 18, 1961. Russell joined the veterinary division staff of the Oregon State Department of Agriculture in 1967 as a poultry inspector as well as testing and inspecting cattle and buffalo. After he retired in 1985 he volunteered his time with the Clackamas County Social Services and the RSVP Program. Through the years he also donated 14 gallons and 1 pint of blood to the American Red Cross. In his younger days he and Dolores enjoyed dancing together with their many, long time friends. He loved the outdoors, camping, fly fishing, gardening, golfing and playing bridge. Russell and Dolores enjoyed many years of travel and vacationing at “The Sand Castle” in Lincoln City. Together the Oregon coast was one of their passions. Russell and Dolores have been members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church for 47 years. He was a loving husband and father and adored by his many friends! Russell is survived by his bride of 50 years, Dolores and their children; Gregg Cooley, his wife, Eden and their son, Josh Cooley; Scott Cooley, his wife Melany and their children, Bryce Cooley, his wife Kim and their daughter Emma; Brent Cooley, and his partner, Sara and their son Ronan; Dani Leibrant and Kendal Leibrant; Denise Cooley Schreindl, and her husband Brad and their children, Rachel, Hannah, Mary Katherine, Caleb and Sarah; Bruce Cooley and his children, Austin and Heather; Grandchildren, Garrett Deloian and his wife, Kat; Clarke Deloian, his wife, Joanna and their son, Hunter. 14 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren in all. A memorial Service will be held at St Paul’s United Methodist Church 11631 SE Linwood Ave, Milwaukie Oregon at 10:30am on Monday, March 12, 2012. A public graveside service will follow at the Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home 4101 NW Skyline Boulevard Portland, OR 97229 at 1:30.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.