Obituary of Bruce Eldon Cooper

March 29, 1931 – Orillia, Ontario

November 4, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Bruce at the age of 92 years.

Bruce was born in Orillia, ON, to Harry and Muriel Cooper. After a “crazy” (his word) road trip with his buddies in 1952 that took them to California (USA) and Vancouver, BC, Bruce found work in Edmonton, AB, and decided to stay. His girlfriend, Ramona, soon joined him when her employer in Ontario transferred her as part of a corporate expansion into Western Canada. Bruce and Ramona married in 1954. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering and became a professional engineer. His career spanned 35 years, mostly in the oil and gas sector in Alberta, including a move to Calgary in 1970 to join Hudson’s Bay Oil & Gas Company (HBOG).

Bruce was “big on DIY” and took pleasure in doing home renovations, blending woodworking skills he learned from his dad and uncles with his engineering skills, crafting projects for his home, and helping family and friends with their projects. He was an aviation enthusiast and would go to airshows as often as he could; he particularly enjoyed the Reno (USA) Air Races. He also enjoyed outdoor pursuits, nature, and animals, and enjoyed the company of many beloved pets over the years.

Bruce was a gentleman and a gentle man, remembered for his good nature, calm disposition, and kind heart. He is survived by his daughter Donna Christensen (Ole), son Cameron, brother Gerry Cooper (Carol) of Wasaga Beach, ON, brother-in-law David Lovering of Airdrie, AB, sisters-in-law, Lexi Lovering of Regina, SK, and Lois Lovering, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Ramona, his best friend and partner of nearly sixty years, his brother Don Cooper, his sister-in-law Barbara Cooper, and his nephew Scott Cooper.

A Memorial Service will be held at Highwood Lutheran Church (419 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall at Highwood Lutheran Church. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bruce’s family here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Bruce’s memory may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Bruce’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, and staff at Chinook Care Centre for their compassionate care.

In living memory of Bruce Cooper, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.