January 14, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Dr. Robert Cooper died in hospice with family by his side on January 14, 2024 at the age of 91. He was a gem. All who knew him over his long, rich life were touched by his compassion, dedication and wisdom. He could also tell a good joke and never forgot to bring the fun.
Dad was born in Prince Albert, the second of William and Lilian's four children. He is pre-deceased by brothers Bill and Jack and survived by sister Ruth. Dad remained a prairie boy his whole life.
He left Prince Albert to attend the University of Saskatchewan where two life milestones happened. He became a doctor, graduating in the inaugural class of the Faculty of Medicine and he met Anne Tufts, his Annie.
You can't talk about Dad without thinking about Mom. They were together for nearly 70 years. With their own unique brand of affection and engagement (JCBYA for those who know) they entertained and cared lovingly for each other to his end. In terms of sheer numbers their lineage is impressive.
Dad and Mom can count children Bob, Susan and Jackie, 9 grandchildren and, currently, 21 great-grandchildren. As the family gathered during Dad's last days it was remarkable to hear the memories and moments that we all, from each generation, had of times where he was there to help and guide us. He had a way of knowing when he was needed and exactly what to say.
Dad loved being a doctor and practiced for over 50 years. He was a general practitioner, trained to do everything from obstetrics to surgery. Starting his practice as a small town physician in Assiniboia, he moved to Red Deer in 1964 and practiced here until his retirement. His contribution to this community was immense.
He dedicated himself to caring for his patients. He did hospital rounds in the morning, saw patients at the Associate Clinic during the day and made house calls in the evening after dinner. Often he would take one of us along with him and we could see the personal connection that he made with everyone he treated.
He was also Red Deer's coroner for 40 years. He understood that it was his duty to inform families of how their loved one had died, often in tragic circumstances, which he would do with the clarity and matter of fact empathy that was required.
Dad was actively involved in the medical profession. His many contributions included Chief of Medical Staff at Red Deer Hospital, President of the Alberta Medical Association, overseeing hospital accreditations in small communities across Canada and many consultative roles with Alberta health authorities.
Outside of the medical profession, Dad was committed to improving education in Red Deer. He was twice elected to the Red Deer School Board and was serving as its chair when he was asked to take over as Chair of the Board of Governors at Red Deer College during a difficult time in its history.
Outside of his work and community, he was for us all, family and friends, just a great guy to be around. He was active, positive and good-natured. He pursued his many interests with enthusiasm and was always optimistic, in some cases despite the evidence. Golf (he never cured his slice) and his confident prediction that he could teach himself to play the banjo in two weeks (he couldn't) come to mind.
Dad leaves a legacy of a life lived with love, integrity and respect for all others. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life is being planned for this Spring.
A donation to the Red Deer Hospice would be welcome in lieu of any other memorial. He would have liked that.