Our Namesake

Wayne Everett Cooper, 73, of Atascadero, passed away August 1, 2018. Wayne was a proud and dedicated husband, father, and Papa. He is loved and missed greatly. Wayne was born in San Luis Obispo and grew up in Carissa Plains. He graduated from Atascadero High School in 1962 and then attended University of Washington. He transferred to the University of the Pacific where he earned a degree in Engineering. Wayne married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Diana. He was a farmer for many years with his older brother, Jon, before starting a career with PG&E in the early 1980's. It was at that time he moved with his wife and children to "town," Atascadero. This is when his lifelong passion for youth and youth activities began. He spent the last 40 years taking the opportunity to attend as many of his children's and grandchildren's activities as he could. Wayne was passionate for the youth of Atascadero and, most importantly, the Atascadero Greyhounds. He spent many years as the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation president. He also co-founded the Lighthouse Foundation, which focuses on education and mentoring to help prevent drug addiction in children and adolescents. Wayne always said the biggest accomplishment in his life was his family. He is survived by his wife, Diana, whom he was happily married to for 51 years. Together they had four children: Vic (Heidi), Christian (Chanel), Melissa, and Ryan (Debbie); and sixteen grandchildren: CJ (Pita), Everett, Caitlyn, Creston, Alex, Evy, Cullen, Cael, Logan, Westley, Jackson, Colby, Caleb, Callie, Charlotte and Chloe.