RONALD “RON” C. COOPER
October 28, 1912 – October 27, 2008
On October 27th, as a Golden Eagle symbolically circled above, Ron Cooper passed away at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Kamloops BC on the eve of his 96th birthday. His wife Elaine, daughter Lynne of Kelowna, sons Mel of Victoria, Ron of Kamloops, Gary of Kamloops, and Wayne of West Vancouver, were there for him as he had been there for them all his life
Ron was the respected and admired founder of what is now known as Cooper’s Foods in the BC Interior. Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, he struck out on his own at the age of 17, starting his first small confectionary store with less than $70 in his pockets. A popular St. Bon’s athlete, he was once described as “the strongest man of his size I’ve ever met.” Working with his wife, the late Mildred (Brophy) at his side, he grew his business to include the popular Signal Hill Grocery. Answering the call to “go west,” Ron, Mildred and family moved to Vancouver in 1945. Ron’s Magee Grocery was his entry into the business world in BC. Moving to the BC Interior (Revelstoke) with sons Ron, Gary and Wayne, the Cooper’s spread their wings, adding supermarkets in Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon and beyond. Honesty, integrity and hard works were his by-words.
In 2001, Ron and wife Elaine settled down in peaceful Logan Lake, where he was seen every day walking his dogs and breathing in the fresh air. The family wishes to thank Elaine for her love and care of their father. She was always there for him. Ron will be missed by stepsons Jeff and Randy Craddock, both of Vancouver, and by many friends. Ron also leaves 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren and six step grandchildren. His always positive approach to life will be their inspiration.
Ron’s parting words to people, friends and family were always, “God Love Ya.” We too say to Dad “Poppo” as our final wish… “God Love Ya.”
Special thanks from the family to the warm and friendly staff at Kamloops Hospice, Dr. Mavis Hollman, and the staff at Royal Inland Hospital. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 3, 2008 at the St. John Vianney Parish, 2826 Bank Road. Monsignor Jerry Desmond, Celebrant. A reception and celebration of Ron’s life will follow in the church hall.
The family would appreciate if
donations were made in Ron’s memory to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, 72 Whiteshield Cr., South, Kamloops BC V2E 2S9,
in lieu of flowers.
Kamloops Funeral Home
1-866-420-7758
Condolences may be emailed to the family from:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com