Fredrick H. Cooprider, age 90, October 19, 2010. Beloved husband of Mary for over 60 years. Loving father of Bruce Frederick and Dawn Marie (Michael) Kelly. Grandfather of Lisa Erin Kelly, Christopher Alan Cooprider, Kathleen Meredith Kelly. Preceeded in death by his parents Ora Miller and Fredrick Cooprider, siblings Lon, Benetta, Arlene, Ross 'Jack' and James.

Born August 10, 1920, Fred spent his childhood in Toledo and rural Pioneer, Ohio. There, he developed his love of the land as evidenced by his green thumb for raspberries, tomatoes, beans and his battle with the raccoons for corn. When the boys got a bit older, he and his brother sang and played guitar on the radio, and Fred even took piano lessons with his youngest granddaughter just 4 years ago. All the brothers served during WWII, during which time Fred was a Naval Lieutenant Fighter Pilot. He earned his degree in Forestry from the Michigan Agricultural College, now known as Michigan State University. He built his home in Garden City, Michigan with the help of his brother-in-law Eric Pollard and other family and friends. Fred worked as sales manager at Howard Davidson Lumber Company in Detroit for 30 years and thereafter partnered with his wife Mary selling real estate for a dozen more years. He enjoyed golf, sailing, skiing, wood working, gardening, his friends and was always busy fixing and puttering around the homestead. He was a member of the Detroit Hoo-Hoo Lumberman's Association, the Masonic Temple of Pioneer, Ohio and attended the United Methodist church. He bestowed his unconditional love upon his wife, children, and grandchildren. Fred believed in the power of what one person can do and was generous to a fault. His favorite recipients were either political or related to the Arbor Day Foundation...an original tree hugger.

Visitation Friday (October 22, 2010) 2-8pm. Funeral Service Saturday (October 23, 2010) 10am at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., (between Ford Rd. and Cherry Hill).