WALLACE ROPER JR. A lifelong resident of southern Nevada, Wallace "Wally" Clinton Roper Jr. passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the age of 76, in the presence of family. A husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and coach, Wally lived a full life and is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 53 years; and four sons, Mark, Chris, Jeff and Jay. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren. Professionally, Wally worked for local government contractor EG&G for nearly 40 years. His unique and interesting career included travels to the Pacific Islands as an electrician involved with the nuclear testing in and around the Bikini Islands. Closer to home, Wally made daily trips from Las Vegas to the Nevada Test Site, as well as visits to other domestic areas, where he worked as an electrical engineer. Wally even served as part of a team that assisted with the development of components used on the Space Shuttle while at EG&G. The last years of Wally's professional life were spent as quality control division director and, finally, as facilities general manager for EG&G's local facility in North Las Vegas. Born and raised in Boulder City, Wally was a three-sport athlete, playing basketball, football and baseball for Boulder City High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a radar specialist during the Korean War. Among his many stops, Wally was stationed in New Mexico, where he met and fell in love with his beloved Shirley. Wally returned to and graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1978, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, majoring in finance. A civic-minded man, Wally was known to many kids in Las Vegas as "Coach Roper." For years, Wally coached hundreds of kids (including his own) in baseball, basketball and Pop Warner football. He was fundamentally involved in the creation and growth of the "Potosky League" youth basketball association, working hand-in-hand with its founder, the late John Potosky. Wally also served many years on the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Personally, Wally was an avid bowler, where he competed year after year in area bowling leagues with Shirley. One of his other enjoyments was to go dancing with his favorite gal. Those who knew Wally knew him as an avid sports fan, cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers and the St. Louis Rams. His family loved him and he will be greatly missed. There will be a public viewing 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd., (702) 464-8420. There will be a memorial service at 11:45 a.m. Monday, June 15, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City, NV 89005, (702) 486-5920. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.