Leonard Lenny Cooper

September 16th, 2015

I remember Lenny so well from Ripon College. He must have taken 6 or 7 classes with me. He was so enthusiastic; I still remember him telling me the first day of class freshman year how much he was into politics. He was never shy about sharing his opinions, and he was fearless–he didn’t care if he was the only one who thought what he did, he still was going to argue for it. I also remember that his faith was so important to him. But most of all I remember him as a fellow Bears fan in a land of cheeseheads! That was a bond that couldn’t be broken. It’s so hard for me to believe that he is gone, and I am so sorry for the loss his family and friends must be feeling.

~Kim Shankman
~former teacher, Kansas

September 3rd, 2015

As i dealt with the Video Games company he worked for from here in the UK for so many years he became a friend and we allways had a real connection, every time i came to the states for the E3 Games shows in the 90’s we met up and allways had a great time. Ive still got this great memory when we went out one night him showing us around town etc. in some great open top sports car he had at the time and listening to Pridogy’s ‘Fat of The Land’ album with this just totally AMAZING sound system he had. I can still feel that bass!!
I will really miss him like so many ):

~Tony Raven
~mate, London

September 3rd, 2015

I had the privilege to get to know Len about 7 years ago. To this day, whenever I walk past a bagel shop, I think of him. One late evening while at his condo he came running to me, as if his building was burning down. He just realized he ran out of bagels and would have none for breakfast. The thought was too traumatizing for to him to comprehend. We ended up doing a late-night bagel hunt that evening. Lenny was able to be completely obsessed with food without ever looking like it!

My favorite memories were “walking” his parents’ huskies, Cody and Sammy (“Samuel” when in trouble) on the weekends. These dogs were teddy bears at home and feral wolves in public, so extreme care was needed. Almost every single time we got to the field near his parents’ home, Lenny somehow always managed to drop at least one of the dog’s leashes. Thankfully, we always caught them quick before they could run off. He would always look at me in his cute way and say “Don’t tell my mom!” as if he were 9-years-old. He had such a deep love for his mom, she was his best friend. He was such a kind-hearted person who had compassion for all. I am absolutely heartbroken!

~Rebecca Kringer
~Friend, Chicago, Illinois

September 3rd, 2015

I started working with Lenny when I first opened up my game store in late 2006, I was 22. I’ll never forget the first time I talked to him, I was walking to class (I was in college at the time) and even though we had just met I felt like I was talking to a good friend that I had known forever. It was hard for me to believe that Lenny was 17 years older than me, he was such a kid at heart. Over the years we became good friends and often would have great conversations over the phone. What good stories he always had for me! You always knew it was going to be good when he started whispering! My wife and I visited him a few times in 2010/2011 and he had come to our home in MN in early 2010. Over the last year and a half we fell out of touch as he changed his line of work, but still would text here and there.

One thing is certain, he loved his family and always talked highly of them, especially his parents and sister. From my family to yours, we send our deepest condolences. He was a great guy and I will never forget his enthusiasm about life. This came as a shock to me when I heard the news today.

~Evan Mau
~Friend, La Crescent, MN

September 2nd, 2015

I will always remember my time with Lenny through the years. He always had a wonderful spirit around him and pray he is resting peacefully in the heavens. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Ric Casas
Franklin Park, IL

~Ric Casas
~Friend, Franklin Park , IL

September 2nd, 2015

Lenny was always the eternal optimist. Whatever lay ahead was always going to be great. The world needs more people like Lenny. Always kind to everyone. I will never forget your laugh and the excitement you brought to life.

I know that he is driving the tricked out car of his dreams now and finally dunking like Jordan (tongue out, flying through the air).

Will miss you buddy – Rest in Peace.

Heartfelt condolences to Len’s parents Barbara and Michael and his sister Lisa.

~Adam Kosh
~Friend, Buffalo Grove, IL

September 2nd, 2015

Barbara and Lisa, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Lenny was a kind soul and a good friend in my early teens, I will never, ever, ever, look at old videos of the NBA in the 1980s the knee high socks, the headband, and shorter than now shorts and not think of him.

Peace be with you and your family, shall his memory never fade.

Bryan

~Bryan Sakolsky
~, Boca Raton, FL

September 1st, 2015

I have so many fond childhood memories of Lenny hanging out at my house with my brother. We always laughed so much. Lenny was the sweetest guy and I am so sorry for this huge loss. I am thinking of all of you.

~Lisa Kosh Friend
~Friend, Woodcliff Lake, NJ

September 1st, 2015

Picture of Lenny

~M S
~Funeral Home, Arlington Heights

September 1st, 2015

I am saddened to hear of Lenny’s passing. I worked with Lenny for several years, without a dull moment. My sincerest condolences. Rob Chapman

~Rob Chapman
~Friend,

August 31st, 2015

My most sincere condolences to your family.

I have very fond memories of Lenny when we both played on the same team during summer baseball through the Northbrook Park District. In fact, we both played in the outfield and did our best to catch every fly ball that headed our way …. those were fantastic summers.

Once again, I am very sorry for your loss.

Respectfully,

Scott Doniger

~Scott Doniger
~Baseball teammate, Oakland, CA