A great local whitewater boater has passed

[admin]

Anyone who has recently done the MWA clinic or watched the whitewater races has seen Gary Cooper. Gary passed today in a work related accident. He was a great safety boater and loved to teach others the skills of whitewater boating. I learned much from him and gave him lots of opportunities to practice his rescue skills. He was always welcoming to new boaters and never seemed impatient with their lack of skill, always encouraging them. We met on a Spring River trip I led in AR. Most of us won’t leave monuments in our passing, but people like Gary leave a legacy of what they have done for others to help them enjoy boating as much as he did. I know when I get to heaven there will be Gary waiting to bboat

[admin]

Gary was a very good boater and a great person. He will be missed.
Dave Haessig

[Author]

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