Obituary of Kenneth Phillip COOPER

December 19, 1932 – Calgary, Alberta
January 5, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Ken Cooper passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, with his wife Jocelyn Cooper at his side, surrounded by the love of his family near and far.  

Ken was born in Calgary, AB, on December 19, 1932, and attended Crescent Heights High School.  Ken met the love of his life Jocelyn at a basketball game at Central Collegiate High School and they were married on September 8, 1956. He attended Michigan State University, with a track and field scholarship, to obtain his degree in education. Upon completion of his degree, Ken was hired as a Physical Education teacher and worked with numerous schools within the Calgary Public School Board for over thirty years. He obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii in 1977. Ken was an amazing athlete and was awarded National Individual Champion in 1946, and held the Senior 220 yard record in 1951. His passion was basketball, and he coached many teams throughout his career. He was a Calgary Stampeders ticket holder and was Assistant Trainer with the Stamps in the early 1960’s.

Ken spent his every moment outside of teaching with his loving family and friends. From the early mornings at Happy Valley Ski Hill teaching the kids how to ski, to the Christmas vacations at Sunshine Village, and the summers off at Sylvan Lake, he loved the fun and his cold beer at the end of the day. 

Ken ran the race of life like nobody’s business. Not only did he make it to the finish line, he also ran through the tape with a smile on his face. He will eternally be an inspiration to all who knew him.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jocelyn Cooper (nee Willsher), brothers, Ronald Cooper (Joyce), and Robert Cooper (Arvella); brother-in-law John Willsher (Eileen), daughter Nancy Kim Cooper, sons, Kerry Cooper (Krista Fordham), and Stephen Cooper (Christina); granddaughter Lindsey Cooper, grandsons, Trevor Cooper (Amy), Dalton Cooper, Colton Cooper and Taylor Cooper (Valerie Morrisette). He loved his great-grandbabies (who fondly called him “Papa”), Dax Cooper, Wren Cooper, and Harvie Cooper.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Lucienne (nee Fortier) Cooper of Calgary, AB; and older brother Larry Cooper (Doris). 

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held once family and friends can gather without limitation. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ken’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/give.

The family would like to thank the staff at the South Health Campus Hospital for their kindness and amazing care during Ken’s stay

In living memory of Kenneth Cooper, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.