Walter Stanley Koop
Best loved as “Grandpa Stan”
October 13, 1942 to January 27, 2025
Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Walter Thomas Koop and Carolyn Bernice Koop, he was
the youngest of four. From birth, his first and best friend was his sister, Elizabeth Kay
Mcwalters. As a child, his family moved from Nebraska to San Pablo, California where
he attended Helms Junior High, and graduated from Richmond Union High school,
class of 1960. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving in the Air Police,
primarily at the Clear Air Force Auxiliary Field (now the Clear Space Force Station) in
Alaska.
During his time in the service, he never forgot his High School sweetheart, Judith
Francis Williams. He wrote letters, and pursued her across the country, to Arizona. They
were wed on November 19, 1966, in Berkeley, California. In September of 1967, they
welcomed their first of five children, Kathie. Followed soon after by Kenneth, Brian,
Ardith and Stephen. With their family complete, they purchased a house in Richmond,
California and raised a happy family.
Family was important to Stan, and he lived close by his mother, Carolyn, and his sister,
Kay. You could often find him surrounded by not only his five, but also his sister, Kay’s,
four children, and as many neighborhood kids as possible. He enjoyed playing role
playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, Axis and Allies, as well as others, with as
many children were available.
He loved animals, and for many years, kept chickens, rabbits, ducks and any sundry of
other animals. The house was often filled with rescued cats, frogs, and for several
years, a tarantula.
Stan worked briefly for Montgomery Wards, and during his time there, was pleased to
reconnect with High School friends, Karl and Diane Taylor. They would remain lifelong
friends and were a big part of every holiday and celebration. In 1968, he started working
for the Department of Transportation, CalTrans as an engineer. He was on the paint and
striping crew of the Bay Bridge, before settling into the overhead sign department, until
his retirement in 2002.
Nothing made Stan happier than his promotion to “Grandpa Stan”. He adored his six
granddaughters, Souny, Jackie, Taya, Sierra, Anika and Kaila. He wanted only for them
to be happy and healthy and was an active part of their lives. He loved being retired,
and being able to take them to the park, the zoo, or even just pick them up from school.
This past year, he was over the moon to welcome a great grandson, Logan.
Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy, his brothers Charles and Tom,
his daughter, Kathie, his son, Kenneth, daughter in law Mai, his son Brian, daughter in
law La, his daughter Ardith, son in law Tom, son Stephen, daughter in law Jessica, his
six granddaughters, Souny, Jackie, Taya, Sierra, Anika and Kaila, as well as his great
grandson, Logan.
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