In Memory
Andrew Wood Cooley IV "Woody"
JUNE 12, 1951 – AUGUST 3, 2021
Woody passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Carondelet St Joseph's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. He was born June 12, 1951 in Salt Lake City to Dolores "Frankie" Bush and Andrew Wood Cooley III, their third child. After graduating from Skyline High School, Woody continued his education at the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English. He married Deborah Cook, later divorced, with whom he had a son, Quentin James Cooley.
Woody was loads of fun, with a good sense of humor. He was an avid reader and loved Rock and Roll music, even playing the bass guitar in a garage band in his teens. He loved sports, including baseball, and especially the Oakland A's. He lived in the San Francisco Bay area for a few years, selling Florsheim Shoes, and then transferred to Tucson, Arizona.
Due to a series of difficulties, Woody ended up homeless for several years, and while on the street, he was attacked and hit over the head, the injury causing grand mal seizures. He was rescued by a sweet lady named Cassandra. Woody needed more help and the Salvation Army saved his life. He lived in their facilities for many years, later sharing a home with his dear friend Marty Bradford who did so much to care for Woody and keep him safe. Woody worked for over ten years at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Tucson.
Years of substance abuse and life on the streets had taken a toll on Woody. He continued to suffer from seizures and dementia, which required that he be placed at Infinity Assisted Living where he was loved and cared for. He was living there when he suffered cardiac arrest and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital by paramedics. Woody languished a few days and then passed away, having never regained consciousness.
Woody expressed a belief in Jesus Christ- he had attended church at the Salvation Army and Calvary Chapel with his friend Marty. Now he has gone to his Eternal Home where there is no more pain, no more seizures, and no more crying.
Thank you to all the caregivers at Infinity Assisted Living, the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, The Salvation Army, and friends Cassandra and Marty Bradford.
Woody is survived by son Quentin, sisters Carolyn Daun "Carol" Putzier and Lynda Irene Cooley, brother Christopher Terry (Jennifer) Draney, and many wonderful nieces and nephews and their children. Preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Leland William "Lee" Landes, brother-in-law Donald Hartley "Don" Putzier, nephew Donald Steven "Donnie" Putzier, and grandniece Whitney Paige Villoria.
A private service was held in Tucson at Infinity Assisted Living led by Captain David Oh and Chaplain Jose Corrales of the Salvation Army. A memorial service will also be held later in the Salt Lake area. Woody's ashes will be placed near his family at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army at 1002 N Main Ave, Tucson AZ 85705
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Keith Randall (Randy) Kimball
I did not know Woody. Not surprising in a clas the size of ours. It was relatively easy to be invisible and some of us worked at it. I'm sorry to hear of his passing and what sounds like the difficult and trying circumstances of his life. It reminded me of this piece I wrote sometime ago.
Goin Down Slow
Sometimes a cute little streamlet of bubbles
Defines what you don’t want to know
Now quietly dancing just under the surface
They started elsewhere down below
Just because mostly you’re still above water
And so far the wind doesn’t blow
May only mean your good little raft
Is sinking exceedingly slow.
Half-empty glasses and
Halfway full life boats are
Two of a kind even though
They each represent
Their own kind of going down
Each one is going down slow.
From your vantage ashore
You can’t see that I’m sinking
It might look like I’m staying afloat.
You don’t see piranha
Knee deep at the gunwale
Enjoying cuisine ala boat.
We’ll both smile and wave
Then you’ll move down the shore
While I deal with my personal issues
Each little bite, nothing more than a nip
Still, they work through the sinews and tissues.
The sun punches out at the end of his shift
Riding off in a tangerine glow
While I sift through my metaphors
Stuck on a boat
Still sinking exceedingly slow.
The night rushes in
The tide rushes out
And by morning the saga is over
Secure in a hillside
Far from the water
Sunshine and bluebirds and clover.
12/11/2006
K. R. Kimball
Laird Pisto
This was a beautifully written tribute to Woody. I hope we can all remember Woody each time we pass by a homeless person. May he rest in peace.
Linda Rae Sealy (Ottley)
I didn’t know Woody but his story has touched me deeply. I hope it helps us all be a little kinder and accepting and less judge-mental of those that appear different from us.
Steven Gerrard
I definitely remember Woody. We weren't great friends but we did have some interactions. All very good. I remember him smiling a lot, like he knew something I didn't. I'm very glad to have known him. I think the comments here have been very nice and fitting. I appreciate them all.
Janet Scott (LeMerise)
I first met Woody at Evergreen Jr. High. I had just moved to SLC and was learning to ski. A group of us would take a bus to Brighton on Saturday mornings. He was always such a fun and friendly guy and helped teach me to ski. The other thing that I remember was that he had a St. Christopher medal that I admired. One day he took it off and just gave it to me. That touched me, deeply. I still have that medal. Rest In Peace, dear friend.
Diane Rogers (Sorensen)
Classmates' comments about Woody are so touching from both those who knew him well and those who didn't. The sadness he faced was softened by friendship, and his life was strengthened by faith. Good priorities and principles for all.
Sue Pouillon (Simonich)
I didn't know Woody well, but his infectious laugh and mischevious nature always caught my attention between classes. His life circumstances broke my heart. May he rest in peace.Ronald Jones
Just want to let ya'll know that a "Celebration of Life" will be held for Woody at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Cemetary on June 12th at 2p.m. All who would like to attend are welcome.
Best,
Ron Jones
Diane Rogers (Sorensen)
Thank you, Ron! I'll be there with my husband. Hopefully, other classmates will come as well.
Larry Hall Halliday
Happy Birthday in Heaven Woody! Hang on, we will all be there to see you. Some sooner than others. I wish I could have been to the mortuary today to help celebrate your life. I remember you well. You were always fun to be around. I considered you a friend.