Stephen Cooper: A Life of Purpose, Passion & Giving Back

Stephen Cooper, 91, will tell you that he developed his true zest for life after turning 70. Yup, you read that right.

Before retirement, Cooper had achieved many accolades, including serving in the military and running a successful business that allowed him to provide for his loving family. He is the proud father of three children and six grandchildren. The 36-year Palos Verdes resident says that when he left his corporate role, he was able to dive fully into his passions and purpose and has no intention to stop anytime soon.

“I’m not finished yet!” Cooper laughs. “I’m continuing to look at where I can make a contribution.”

Cooper embodies the energy of a great coach. He is a good listener and is curious, motivating, funny and seeks to find common ground. It’s clear these qualities helped him become a beloved lifeguard and swim coach after turning 70.

“It was amazing to see him swimming every day with all those young kids to pass the lifeguard test. But he did!” says Angie Cooper, his wife of 42 years.

“I loved my job as a lifeguard at the Hawthorne city pool. I taught one 30-minute swim class after the other all day,” Cooper adds. “I loved teaching older students who were frightened of the water. I would tell them, ‘I guarantee you’ll swim across the pool on your own by the end of the week.’ And they did!”

Making an Impact

It’s hard to fully describe all the meaningful roles Cooper embraced while in “retirement.” One was volunteering with the South Bay/Torrance Special Olympics for 15 years—first as a timer, then as an assistant swim coach and finally as head swim coach.

“Swimming is an important part of my life. I began when I was 2 years old, and at 17 I was a lifeguard in New York. I swam for NC State University, and today I swim nearly every morning,” explains Cooper.

Until recently he worked closely with Special Olympic athletes and their parents, who inspired him deeply. “It was one of the most significant things I’ve done in my life. 

I was the proudest of the parents. They were so involved with their kids. My love for them grew, and I keep in touch with many.”

Do What You Can

If Cooper had a motto, it would be: Do what you can to help others. For this he credits his wife, a former social worker who encouraged him to find ways to give back after retiring. While searching for how he could help others, Cooper explored organizations that made him think: “I can do that” or “I can learn that.”

He worked for 15 years as a court-appointed special advocate for children in the Los Angeles foster system. “I worked with young boys as a mentor and represented their best interests to the judge. My goal was to get them out of abusive environments. There were dangerous situations and success stories. I still tear up thinking about it.”

He also volunteered with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), where he learned how to train his beloved Bella, a golden lab puppy he taught to obey 40 commands. CCI is an organization that provides well-trained dogs to assist those with disabilities in living independently.

No matter how Cooper serves others, he says he benefits the most. “Helping others always helps you in the long run. It’s about faith and finding effective ways to be of service. That’s the ultimate reward.” 

Steve’s Typical Daily Schedule & Menu

4:15 a.m. – Wakes up and follows a routine of balance and mobility exercises and stretches. He doesn’t eat and only drinks water.

5:30 a.m. – Drives to the Palos Verdes Beach Club, where he swims laps with his friends from 5:45 to 7 a.m. (He swims 1/2 mile a day at a minimum.)

8 a.m. (ish) – Showers and eats breakfast at home: a large bowl of Cheerios, strawberries, a splash of almond milk, four almonds and black coffee.

Before noon – Reads, practices piano (he started taking lessons at 83!), goes for a walk, or goes out with his wife, Angie.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch: typically a tuna or turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato. His cheat dessert is one piece of See’s chocolate. “Just one!”

Afternoon – Visits with friends while walking. (He walks twice a day, a total of 3 miles. Some afternoons, he and Angie visit with their youngest grandchildren.)

6 p.m. (ish) – Dinner with Angie, who is “an amazing cook!” His favorite dinner is her homemade thin-crust pizza with grilled veggies like zucchini and peppers.

They both go to bed relatively early, as they have a 4:15 a.m. wake-up call!