MRS. COOPER
The shooting community, especially those in the extended “Gunsite family,” are mourning the loss of Janelle Cooper, widow of Gunsite Academy founder Col. Jeff Cooper.
She passed away only two months after celebrating her 99th birthday at Gunsite, near Paulden, Ariz., where she and the late Col. Cooper had lived for many years. Col. Cooper, known as the “Father of the Modern Technique” of pistol shooting, founded the world-famous American Pistol Institute, which became Gunsite, in 1976. He was an author and firearms authority. He passed away in 2006.
Mrs. Cooper traveled the world with her husband, according to a notice of her passing posted on the Gunsite website. She was widely known for being a gracious host to Gunsite graduates with “tea, lemonade and brownies,” according to the Gunsite notice.
She also accompanied her husband to National Rifle Association meetings, where Col. Cooper served for many years on the organization’s board of directors.
Mrs. Cooper will be interred at Gunsite next to Col. Cooper, in the mausoleum. Service arrangements will be announced, according to Gunsite owner Owen “Buz” Mills.
