Downtown Projects Chief Dies of Cancer

Downtown development manager Roger Kooi died early Tuesday, just hours after city workers and community members gathered at a City Council meeting to wish him well in his fight against cancer. He was 54.

In his position with the city, Kooi oversaw several high-profile projects, including the Artists Village, a group of public and private buildings backed by the city; and the $123-million federal courthouse, to open in 1998.

Kooi underwent surgery after being diagnosed with cancer about 1 1/2 years ago, said his son, Roger Kooi Jr. The disease reappeared in January.

Kooi had not been at work since March, his son said.

At Monday’s ceremony, about 40 people stood before the council dais to present Kooi with a commendation for his service and to remember him as “Mr. Downtown.” The license plate on his car reads: “DWNTWN 1.”

Kooi, a Michigan native, had been Santa Ana’s downtown development manager since 1984. He was remembered Tuesday for his dedicated to his work.

“His job was not 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., it was 24 hours a day if that’s what it took,” said Cindy Nelson, who as executive director of community development was Kooi’s boss.

Kooi is survived by his wife, Candace; three sons; a sister; and his parents.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Waverley Church next to Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.