1953 – 2016

AUBURN — Stuart Russell Cooper Jr. died Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Hospice House in Auburn.

He was born June 25, 1953, in Lewiston, the son of Stuart and Esther Cooper. He grew up in Rumford, graduating from Rumford High School in 1971.

Stuart studied at the University of Maine at Orono. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a fifth-year Pulp and Paper Certificate in 1976. He later earned a Master of Business Administration. He was also certified as a professional engineer with the state of Maine. His engineering career included employment at several companies, including Delta Chemical, Central Maine Power, Neil and Gunter Consulting, James River Paper and International Paper.

Stuart was stricken with leukemia in 1991, which he recovered from following extensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. After his illness, he was very active in an online bone marrow transplant support group helping others through similar experiences.

Stuart was active in the Boy Scouts. He assisted with the Hope School Boy Scout troop while earning his Eagle Scout badge. His backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico was another highlight of his Boy Scout experience.

Stuart was very involved with music. He played the saxophone in band throughout high school and college and later in community music groups in the Augusta and Bangor areas.

Stuart was an avid skier. At the University of Maine, he was very active in the Maine Outing Club where he cultivated his interest in outdoor activities that included hiking, kayaking, sailing and golf. Stuart recently moved to Sumner.

He is survived by his mother, Esther Cooper; his brother, Richard Cooper (Cathy); his sister, Ruth Cooper Kendall (Ken); and four nieces, Rebecca and Carolyn Cooper and Rosemary and Breanna Stanaway.