COOPER, Karen

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Karen Kinne Cooper (March 28, 1941 - March 18, 2010) Former Flagstaff City Councilmember Karen Cooper, a "smart growth" advocate and an ardent champion of the city's nationally renowned urban trails system, died Thursday in Flagstaff. She was 68. Cooper had been fighting ovarian cancer since 2006. First elected to the Flagstaff City Council in 2000, Cooper advocated for what she called an "amenities-based" economy that emphasized Flagstaff's natural beauty, its small-town feel and its livable neighborhoods. She served for eight years on the Council after serving on the city planning commission. She was active on both the commission and council in the development and passage of the Greater Flagstaff Regional Plan, the first comprehensive, long-term land use and transportation plan for the region. It sought to reduce the region's sprawl by combining residential and commercial uses in compact neighborhoods close to urban trails and open spaces. As a councilmember, Cooper served as the liaison to the P&Z Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Public Art Advisory Committee, Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee. Those who served with Cooper on the city council remember her as a dedicated elected official who shied away from political infighting. They said she was a determined advocate for the arts, open spaces and the local libraries. Vice Mayor Al White, who served alongside Cooper for eight years on the Council, said she poured tremendous energy into shaping the trails system. He said it was her determination that defined the high quality of each trail, never allowing anyone to cut corners. Several years ago, Cooper was honored by Friends of Flagstaff's Future with its Livable Community Award. Her love for the outdoors was not just a political passion, either. Several friends noted that Cooper often would spend time every summer camping with her family. She leaves behind her husband, the Rev. David Cooper, pastor emeritus of First Congregational Church of Flagstaff, three grown children, three grandchildren and 50 miles of FUTS trails. A memorial service for Karen K. Cooper will be held at Federated Community Church, 400 West Aspen Avenue (behind Flagstaff City Hall) on Saturday, April 17th, at 11 am. The Rev. Bill Guise of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Flagstaff and the Rev. Wendy Williams of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Flagstaff will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church (740 Turquoise Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001), Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (510 North Leroux St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001), or Olivia White Hospice Home (752 Switzer Canyon Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arizona Daily, Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona JOE FERGUSON Sun Staff Reporter Friday, March 19, 2010 Former Flagstaff City Councilmember Karen Cooper, a "smart growth" advocate and an ardent champion of the city's nationally renowned urban trails system, died Thursday in Flagstaff. She was 68. Cooper had been fighting ovarian cancer since 2006. First elected to the Flagstaff City Council in 2000, Cooper advocated for what she called an "amenities-based" economy that emphasized Flagstaff's natural beauty, its small-town feel and its livable neighborhoods. She served for eight years on the Council after serving on the city planning commission. She was active on both the commission and council in the development and passage of the Greater Flagstaff Regional Plan, the first comprehensive, long-term land use and transportation plan for the region. It sought to reduce the region's sprawl by combining residential and commercial uses in compact neighborhoods close to urban trails and open spaces. "When she committed to something, she did it for a long time," said fellow former Councilmember Kara Kelty, who served with Cooper from 2002 to 2008. As a councilmember, Cooper served as the liaison to the P&Z Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Public Art Advisory Committee, Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee. Those who served with Cooper on the city council remember her as a dedicated elected official who shied away from political infighting. They said she was a determined advocate for the arts, open spaces and the local libraries. "Karen had a steely resolve when it came to standing up for her convictions, but she always did so with dignity and humility. She worked tirelessly on behalf of our community and leaves us a legacy of thoughtful development and design that complements Flagstaff's natural beauty," Kelty said. Vice Mayor Al White, who served alongside Cooper for eight years on the Council, said she poured tremendous energy into shaping the trails system. He said it was her determination that defined the high quality of each trail, never allowing anyone to cut corners. "She had standards for the work she wanted done," White said. Several years ago, Cooper was honored by Friends of Flagstaff's Future with its Livable Community Award. "I loved and admired Karen for her sense of care about her community, her humility, and her kind and generous heart. She was a role model, a mentor, but more importantly, a friend," said Becky Daggett, a former executive director of F-Cubed. Her love for the outdoors was not just a political passion, either. Several friends noted that Cooper often would spend time every summer camping with her family. She leaves behind her husband, the Rev. David Cooper, pastor emeritus of First Congregational Church of Flagstaff, three grown children, three grandchildren and 50 miles of FUTS trails. Details for a celebration of life are pending. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements