Stephen Collin Cooper (1950 – 2025)
	
Steve Cooper grew up in Alberta. He graduated from NAIT Forest Technology in 1971 and went to work with Parks Canada at the Pacific Rim, Wood Buffalo and Nahanni National Parks. He and his wife married in 1978 in Fort Smith and they lived in the Mackenzie, Keewatin and Inuvik regions until they moved to the Yukon 1983.((Steve Collin Cooper, Celebration of Life pamphlet.))
	
Steve started Tutshi Tanning Fur and Leather in Whitehorse and learned from Yukon Elders his skill in traditional home tanning methods. He shared his knowledge through workshops in NWT, Yukon and Alaskan communities and at his shop in the McDonald subdivision. School groups came to his tannery to learn about different types of animals and furs and to listen to Steve’s stories. His business provided employment to dozens of young enthusiasts.((Steve Collin Cooper, Celebration of Life pamphlet.))
	
Steve loved hand-crafted canoes and was a skilled log builder. He built two log homes in the Whitehorse area. He was a conservationist and had a passion for recycling. He had an excellent memory and had a long repertoire of facts and stories that he was happy to share.((Steve Collin Cooper, Celebration of Life pamphlet.))