DOE's Jon Cooper retires
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| Jon Cooper |
Jon Cooper retired from the DOE Office of Science's Fermi Site Office on Jan. 3 after more than 31 years of federal service.
Colleagues describe Cooper as quiet, gentle and steady. He didn't waver, they said, not even in his choice of lunch.
"He had the same lunch every day-bologna," said Mark Bollinger, deputy manager of DOE's Fermi Site Office. "When we asked him about it, he said, 'it wasn't the same; I use different kinds of bologna.'"
Cooper took the same approach to his work as the team leader for the office's Environment, Safety, Health and Program Support Team, consistently finding new ways to improve the areas of environmental, safety and health at the laboratory.
Prior to his 18-year career with DOE, Cooper worked at the U.S. Post Office and as an environmental scientist at the EPA. He also held positions as a machinist at an engineering firm, a community college instructor and as a technician for a geotechnical testing firm. He holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in geology from local institutions.
"He certainly had a strong desire to help out the environment," said Bob Lootens, Fermilab Roads and Grounds.
Lootens met Cooper during one of the laboratory's prairie harvests more than 12 years ago. Since then, the two worked together to conduct seed harvests and surveys at Fermilab and worked as a steward to help transform Kane County's natural areas. Cooper also served on Fermilab's Environmental Land Management Committee for the past decade.
"He loves the facility and the site so much," Joanna Livengood, FSO Manager, said. "I'm sure we'll see him around."
In retirement, Cooper plans to spend more time with his wife of 37 years, Amy, travel, exercise and get caught up with hobbies such as wood working, carving and word games.
Please plan to attend the open house in Jon Cooper's honor on Jan. 29 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Fermi Site Office, WH6E.
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