Obituary of Alan John Stewart Cooper

June 24, 1931 – Conicavel, Morayshire, Scotland

June 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Alan Cooper, 92, beloved husband of the late Gay Cooper, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Calgary, AB.

Alan was born on June 24, 1931, in Conicavel, Morayshire, Scotland. He attended school in Inverurie and Arbroath, and then high school in Germany after the war, where his dad was Headmaster of the British School. He attended the University of St. Andrews, where he graduated with a BSc. in Chemistry and Geology. After graduation, Alan served for two years in the Royal Navy, travelling at the end of the Korean War to the Mediterranean and Middle East, then down to Hong Kong and Australia. There, he received the United Nations Korea Service Medal. On completion of his National Service, he began his career as a geologist. He worked for 42 years with Shell, Canadian Superior, Midwest Oil, Voyager Petroleum, and Alconsult, exploring for natural gas and oil in Western Canada and the North Sea and mapping the gas reserves in Senegal, Africa.

In his younger days, Alan enjoyed playing rugby and soccer. Later, he coached youth soccer in Calgary for more than 10 years and was one of the principal founders of the Blizzard Soccer Club. The team's orange colour was chosen because it was his favourite. He was treasurer and small group leader in the Unitarian Church and was active in the Naval Officers Association of Canada, where he was treasurer and helped organize the annual HMCS Calgary regatta. He also volunteered with the Calgary Youth Aid Society, helping youth get off the street into safe living arrangements.

His favourite hobby was sailing, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren, seven of whom became instructors. From the Enterprise on Glenmore Reservoir to weeks in the Gulf Islands, sailing has been a big part of the Cooper life. Alan travelled extensively in his work and with Gay to Eastern Europe, Ireland, Scotland, Cancun, Florida, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Alan's greatest passion was his family. Alan married Gay in 1957, and after living in Venezuela, they eventually made their home in Calgary. Alan deeply missed Gay over the five years since her passing. He leaves behind his three children, Neil (Colleen), Sandy, and Patty; as well as ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Alan will be most remembered for his dedication to Gay and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“An honest man here lies at rest, the friend of man, the friend of truth; the friend of age, and guide of youth.”

Robert Burns

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Alan’s family here.

In living memory of Alan Cooper, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.