J. R. Barry Cooper

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of J. R. Barry Cooper with his family at his side on January 11th 2023 in West Kelowna BC in his 89th year. Born on August 6, 1933 in South Porcupine, ON to Joseph Russell and Susan Ida (nee Howard) Cooper. This gentle, loving, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched in our hearts. He will be supremely missed by his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Rosella Laura Cooper (nee Rosenberger) and his two devoted daughters Cheryl-Lynne and Jayne. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch, father, stepfather, grandfather to 21 and great-grandfather to many little ones. His family was a focal and driving force and he cherished the special bond he had with grandchildren Kevin Wilcox, Kaitlin Duchesne (husband Cole), Lacey Duchesne and Jodie Foucault (predeceased) and special son-in-law Leo Foucault (predeceased). Special great grandpa to Cashez, West, Damon, and Jenna, Jessi and Jayda along with their father Denis Derepentigny. This dedicated and saintly family man was always quick to aid and assist his six step children that he inherited by marriage Brenda Foucault, Sharon Bertrand, Diane McEntire, Bonnie Matheson, special stepson Bryan Matheson (predeceased) wife Carole, and Robert Matheson. Predeceased by his brother Doyle (wife Suzanne) Cooper and sister Patricia (husband Henry) Godfrey. Survived by his sister and best friend Elane (husband Denzil) Mousseau of South Porcupine. He was the favorite uncle to many, if not all of his niece’s and nephews. Barry was a hard worker and dedicated provider, spending most of his life working as a hoistman in mines throughout Northern Ontario and across Canada. He was known and loved for his sense of humor and willingness to help anyone that needed it. His musical talents and ability to play fiddle, bagpipes, harmonica, piano and guitar made him the life of every family gathering. He will be forever remembered for his contagious laughter, gentle eyes with their mischievous twinkle, caring heart, loving embraces and most of all, his unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven playing his music as he watches over us. Services to be held at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna, on Friday Jan. 20th at 1:00 pm. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Cooper family.