John Terence Cooper

John died peacefully at home with his loving wife, cycling and ski partner, Jean, by his side.  He is survived by his much-loved sons, David (Karen Caie) and Michael (Julie Dagenais), and his grandchildren Kyle Caie, Nicolas Cooper and Emma Cooper. He also leaves his sisters Sharon Murza (Rick), Saskatoon, SK, and Regina Zdunich in Kenaston, SK; and his in-laws, Ken Stelmack, Red Deer, AB, Ruth and John Plumpton, Toronto, ON, and Kay and Burle Summers, Belleville, ON; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Kathleen (Doody) Cooper, proud Newfoundlanders, and sisters, Mary Grace Coolican, and Brenda Stelmack.

John was born in Pembroke, ON, while his father was stationed with the Canadian Army in Petawawa. He grew up in Montreal and in Saskatoon, where he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1965 in Electrical Engineering under the Regular Officer Training Plan. On his first posting to Kingston, he met a young nurse, Jean Luxton, and they married in 1966. He subsequently served in Oromocto, NB, Soest and Lahr, Germany, Ottawa, and Egypt.  In 1995, he retired from the Canadian Forces and continued to work for National Defence as a systems analyst. He liked to say that he was multilingual, being fluent in such languages as COBOL and FORTRAN and others. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003.

Retirement in 2003 gave him the time to pursue fully his hobby of winemaking and favourite sports of cycling, soccer, cross country skiing and hockey. He and Jean took many lengthy cycling trips in Canada and especially in France. His team sports became second families for him, and he continued to play over-60 soccer and old-timers hockey even after the onset of his cancer. As well as playing the beautiful game, he devoted many years to supporting soccer in the Gloucester community.

The family wishes to thank John’s oncologist, Dr. Jonker, and the Ottawa General Cancer centre, Dr. Brodeur and Dr. Wong of Bytown Palliative Medicine and the Champlain Home and Community Care Support Services. With their support, John was able to remain at home until the end.

There will be a celebration of John’s life in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.