From the ballfield to swimming pool, Coopers served generations of Lehi youth

Nicole Kunze | Lehi Historical Society

Kim and Laurie Cooper have made a long-lasting distinction in Lehi via many years of service. Together, they’ve witnessed Lehi develop from about 6,000 residents to almost 100,000. After spending their complete married life right here, Kim and Laurie proceed to like Lehi and its individuals.

Kim coached Lehi youth in Little League, Pony League and American Legion baseball. He additionally ran Lehi’s first out of doors swimming pool, which he opened in 1980 at 451 E. 200 South. “I knew absolutely nothing about running swimming pools, but I learned a lot that first summer and the next 35 years that I was involved with the pool,” he recalled.

Kim employed tons of of staff, largely Lehi youth, to be assistant managers, swim coaches, lifeguards, concession workers and upkeep staff. Laurie cleaned the pool at evening for a few years, typically with out compensation. Kim later opened and managed the swimming pool on the Lehi Legacy Center for 10 years and served as Lehi City Assistant Recreation Director for 5 years.

Kim was born at American Fork Hospital in 1953 and has been a lifelong Lehi resident. He is the son of J.B. and Udene Cooper and the third of 5 kids. As a baby, he loved Little League baseball, Bantam basketball, Pony League baseball and two years undefeated in Little League soccer because the quarterback for the Lehi Packers coached by Reed Street. In highschool, Kim spent two undefeated years as quarterback of the Lehi High School Pioneers.

After attending Trade Tech in Provo, he earned a bachelor’s diploma in bodily schooling from the University of Utah and later a grasp’s diploma. He taught at American Fork Junior High for 30 years, earned a grasp’s diploma in schooling and coached boys’ basketball for roughly 26 years, recording greater than 200 wins and no shedding seasons.

Laurie Depew Cooper drove bus for Alpine School District for 15 years, together with eight years transporting special-needs college students within the Lehi space. She cherished working with kids and particularly cherished the special-needs college students she transported. She additionally labored on the Utah Developmental Center for a number of years, taught sweet courses at Cavanaugh’s and labored at Rex Larsen’s mink farm to earn Christmas cash.

Laurie was born in Payson in 1955, the second oldest of 5 sisters born to Kenneth and Ann Depew. She attended Peteetneet Elementary School earlier than her household moved to American Fork when she was within the eighth grade. Her favourite a part of childhood was happening 16 cattle drives of 1,000 head of cattle together with her father and grandfather. Her job was to stroll behind the herd and decide up any calves that have been too exhausted to proceed. In highschool, Laurie was a cheerleader and the second attendant to Miss American Fork.

Kim married Laurie during his sophomore year at the University of Utah. They have three children, Chantel, MeKenzie, and Brock, and six grandchildren. Laurie was a stay-at-home mother while their children were young, and Kim credits her with being completely supportive of everything he accomplished. Throughout all 52 years of their marriage, Kim and Laurie have lived in Lehi, where their children participated in city recreation and school programs.

“Lehi is our home. We love it here, and we love the people. Lehi is a great place to live,” said Kim.

Editor’s Note: The Lehi Historical Society is proud to present the stories of its Lehi Heritage Day 2026 honorees. Kim and Laurie Cooper are one of seven honoree couples/individuals being featured this year. Each couple/individual will be celebrated at Lehi Heritage Day on Aug. 29, from 2:30-6 p.m., at the Lehi Civic Center at 153 N. 100 East. For more information on Lehi Heritage Day, see lehihistory.org or call 801-768-1570.