Dr. William Conrad Cooper

Dr. William Conrad Cooper died on December 23, 2006, in Fallbrook, CA. He was born in Flint, MI, on November 24, 1931, to Benjamin Sr. and Lottie Cooper. An intensely motivated student, he graduated high school at age 16 and went on to earn a Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, in June 1956. He was an avid reader and believed that education was of ultimate importance.

He was married to the late Carol Shaw Cooper of Detroit in 1956 and resided in Kalamazoo, MI, with their children, Dale Ivy and William Conrad Cooper III.

Dr. Cooper completed a 12-month rotating internship at the Pontiac General Hospital, Medical School of the University of Michigan from July 1, 1956, to July 1, 1957, and completed his residency in neuromedicine at Los Angeles County General Hospital from August 1, 1960, to July 31, 1963.

He was engaged in the private practice of medicine, specializing in neurology in Lancaster, CA, and the Inglewood and Crenshaw areas of Los Angeles. After 31 years of practice he retired and eventually relocated to Fallbrook.

During his years of medical practice, Dr. Cooper became a scholar in the history of medicine and amassed a private collection of rare books on the subject. In retirement, he continued his interest in books and established an antiquarian book business using the Internet. He taught himself the use of the computer and necessary applications.

Conrad (or Bill) Cooper was a remarkable man of keen intellect and many talents. Having risen from humble beginnings, he was without pretense and willingly shared his knowledge. He was generous in support to those in need. He will be missed by his family and remembered by his many colleagues and friends.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Dr. Cooper in the Los Angeles area. Details to be announced.