Ave Atque Vale Bill Cooper. "Mr. Bill" —the long-time Van Leeuwen sales rep, Trailblazer and industry legend, passed away 12/26/19. From the Van Leeuwen family:
It is with a heavy heart and great regret that the Van Leeuwen family announces the loss of William “Mr. Bill” Cooper. Mr. Bill, as he was known in the industry, passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday December 26th. He was 61 years old and leaves behind his sister Carol and his niece Caitlyn.
Mr. Bill was a 24-year employee of Van Leeuwen Distributing and a motorcycle industry icon. He started working at a motorcycle shop at the age of 16. This was the beginning of a lifelong passion for motorcycles and he has never worked outside of the motorcycle industry.
Mr. Bill’s entire life was dedicated to the love and support of the motorcycle industry. He actively supported every event, fundraiser, organization and legislation that would promote and protect the use of motorcycles. His greatest joy was volunteering his time to the Trailblazer’s Motorcycle Club where he got to work with the industry legends that inspired him so many years ago.
Mr. Bill will be dearly missed by literally hundreds of friends, from both his personal life and those within the motorcycle industry & community. He will be remembered for his encyclopedic knowledge and memory for everything motorcycle. He will be appreciated for his incredible energy and powerful personality. Most of all, he will be missed because he was the most dedicated friend one could ask for. He will forever be part of the Van Leeuwen Family.
Carol Cooper Yarbrough, Mr. Bill’s little sister hosted a Celebration of Life for him on March 14th where friends and family shared special stories, thoughts, photos and memories. His favorite food (pizza of course!) and snacks were provided.
Vale Mr. Bill!