Died peacefully in bed on 4 December 2025. He was in his 99th year. Born into the Anglo-Argentine community of Buenos Aires. His father, a veteran of the Great War, died young, his mother remarried and he became the stepson of a future baronet. Boarded at Bishop’s Stortford College in the UK. Joined the Royal Army in 1945 to serve for 3 years as a junior officer in Mumbai (“Bombay”). Returned to the homeland as an officer in the King’s Palace Guard. Resigned his commission in 1949 to study medicine at the London Hospital, Whitechapel.
Married Elizabeth Joy Kirk in 1953. In 1955 the young couple immigrated to Canada where he interned at the brand-new Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Practiced medicine in Oakville, ON. Moved his family to Victoria, BC in 1964 and practiced general medicine out of the family home for several decades. Member of the medical staff at St. Joseph’s and Royal Jubilee Hospitals. His gentility, charm and quick wit won him the esteem and affection of friends, professional colleagues, and patients alike. He often assisted his specialist colleagues in the operating room. He delivered his own patients of hundreds of babies.
Predeceased by his wife in 2020, Dr. Cooper is survived by his son Alec (Sylvie) in Quebec City and by his daughters Winnie and Veronica (Scott) in Victoria, his grandchildren, Michael (Daisy) in Toronto, Oliver in Vancouver, Marie-Sophie and Frederic (Heloise) in Quebec City, Liz (Nathaniel) in Ottawa, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Thanks to the staff at Glenwarren Lodge. Private cremation. No flowers by request. A private gathering of family and friends to honour the departure of Dr. and Mrs. Cooper will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
