Arizona Health Foods Founder Dies

  PHOENIXHarold "Hal" Cooper, the president and founder of Arizona Health Foods stores passed away in June at the age of 74. A 35-year veteran of the natural health industry, Cooper bought his first store in the early 80's, after a stint selling for Radiance Vitamins. His

Arizona Health Foods Inc. grew to a 14-store chain with over 100 employees with locations throughout the state of Arizona. He retired in 2003, selling his chain to Nutraceutical Corp. in 2003.

"I will always remember Hal as a consummate gentleman; he was always with a smile and a friendly word," said a longtime Cooper family friend. "He had the undeniable knack of making each and every individual he was speaking with feel that they were probably the most interesting person he'd ever met."