JOHN E. K. COOPER, PhD

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JOHN E. K. COOPER, PHD
March 7, 1940 – March 7, 2022

Following a brief illness, John Cooper passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on his 82nd birthday, March 7, 2022.
He is deeply mourned and lovingly remembered by his wife Juliette, daughters, Pilar (Greg) and Elizabeth (Gary), granddaughter Sian, and his faithful dog Sharlene. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Alex (John), Ronn, Lucille, Steve, Mike (Kathy), and Clint (Patty).
John was predeceased by his father Alex, mother Violet, and stepmother Grace, and by his parents-in-law, Bert and Julie Hamilton.
John was born in Montreal but spent his younger years in Toronto. Always an excellent student, he earned Bachelor and Master degrees in biology at the University of Toronto and a PhD from McMaster University. While a graduate student he met and married "Archie" (Juliette) and thus began a loving partnership of almost 58 years. John, Archie, and Pilar moved to Houston, TX for four years of post-doctorate work, after which time the family, now including Elizabeth, returned to Canada to live in Winnipeg.
John's passion for antiques began in Canada's Centennial Year when he began to collect Canadian glass and stoneware crocks. Ever the student, over the next 55 years John took every opportunity to learn the "5 Ws" about antiques. His focus in art glass even led him to take up glassblowing at Red Deer College, an experience that gave him a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft. John delighted in teaching others about antiques and was known across Canada for his expertise. While John's knowledge was encyclopedic he never hesitated to admit that there was still much to learn, and that quest for knowledge gave him much joy.
John was devoted to his family and the home they created in Winnipeg. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He supported Archie's academic career unconditionally and was immensely proud of Pilar, Liz, and Sian and their diverse interests. He helped inspire in Pilar and Liz the same passion for life-long learning. He loved cooking wonderful meals for family and friends and sharing stories of the many memorable family road trips and adventures. He regarded his sons-in-law as "his Boys" and was delighted that they shared with him a love for cartoons, Monty Python, and dogs. Having lived abroad, John had a deep appreciation for his country - he was a passionate Canadian and a proud Manitoban-by-choice.
Special thanks to Dr. John Mayba for his care over the years, and to the staff of MICU at Health Sciences Centre and Palliative Care at St. Boniface Hospital for their exemplary care of John throughout his final illness.
There will be no formal service; a private family interment will be held at a later date
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.

THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsoninthepark.com

Publish Date: May 7, 2022

JOHN E. K. COOPER, PHD
March 7, 1940 – March 7, 2022

Following a brief illness, John Cooper passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on his 82nd birthday, March 7, 2022.
He is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Juliette, daughters, Pilar (Greg Bryson) and Elizabeth (Gary Pachal), granddaughter Sian Bryson and his faithful dog Sharlene. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Alex (John), Ronn, Lucille, Steve, Mike (Kathy), and Clint (Patty). John was predeceased by his father Alex, mother Violet and stepmother Grace and by his parents-in-law, Bert and Julie Hamilton.
John was born in Montreal, but spent his younger years in the Toronto area. Always an excellent student, he enrolled in biology at the University of Toronto, went on to earn a Masters degree from that institution, and a PhD from McMaster University. While a graduate student he met and married "Archie" (Juliette) and thus began a loving partnership of almost 58 years. After completing his doctorate, John, Archie, and Pilar moved to Houston, TX for a year of postgraduate studies; a contract with NIH extended the stay for another three years after which time the family, now including Elizabeth, returned to Canada to live in Winnipeg.
John's interest in and passion for antiques began during Canada's Centennial Year when he began to collect Canadian glass and stoneware crocks. Ever the student, over the next 55 years John took every opportunity to learn about antiques - when they were made, who made them, how they were made, and why they were made. His particular interest in antique art glass even led him to take up glassblowing at Red Deer College, an experience that led him to a much deeper understanding of and appreciation for the craft. While John's knowledge of antiques was encyclopedic, he never hesitated to admit that there was still much to learn and that quest for knowledge gave him much joy.
John was proud of his family and the home they created in Winnipeg. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He supported Archie's academic career unconditionally and was immensely proud of Pilar, Liz, and Sian. He regarded his sons-in-law as "his Boys" and was delighted that they shared a love for cartoons, Monty Python, and dogs. Having lived abroad, John had a deep appreciation for his country - he was a passionate Canadian and a proud Manitoban-by-choice.
Special thanks to Dr. John Mayba for his excellent care over the years and to the staff of MICU at Health Sciences Centre and Palliative Care at St. Boniface Hospital for their kindness to John throughout his final illness.
There will be no formal service; a private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.

THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsoninthepark.com

Publish Date: Apr 30, 2022

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2022, May 07, 2022