John Ernest Keith Cooper

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.