Obituary of Roderick Melvin Cooper

October 11, 1933 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Roderick “Rod” Cooper, beloved husband of Judith Cooper (nee Jordan), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

If Rod had his way, he would prefer to be remembered by his version of the WC Fields line, “A guy who kicks dogs and kids can’t be that bad.” In truth, Rod was known more for his broad sense of humour, being a loving father and husband, and often being generous to a fault.

Growing up after the depression in Winnipeg, it was not uncommon for him to stay warm in the long winter months by lining his pockets with hot baked potatoes that he would later enjoy as a snack. This might just be a story he told his children, but who knows? Rod’s brother Bruce still lives there with his wife, Pat, and their kids, Megan and Morgan. Bruce was also an excellent storyteller and was somehow the only person in our family related to Captain Cook.

The University of Manitoba is where “Rocket Rod” is not only enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame but also where he met his wife Judy, who we sadly lost ten years ago.

Rod completed his PhD at McGill University and then brought his young family to New York City, where he did his post-doctoral studies at Einstein College of Medicine. From there, they packed up and moved to Calgary, where he held an office at the University of Calgary from 1964 to 2024 in the department of Psychology in neuroscience. Rod’s tenure at the university was marked by as much tennis as there was brain science. He once had his students compose a poem about neurons as their final exam.

Besides being a noted academic, Rod was a loving father to Merrill, Brent, and Kim, as well as grandfather to four terrific and successful grandchildren, Patrick, Adrien, Lauren, and Jordan.

Rod’s last few years were full of inventive home projects, careening his bicycle around the neighbourhood, and for a guy who could barely walk, a minimum of three sessions on the elliptical machine every day until he died. Most important to Rod was polishing his final dissertation on being a man of “natural science” and humankind’s place in the universe, which his children hope to share one day.

Despite his wish to be remembered as a curmudgeon, Rod was a softie. He was much loved and cherished by his family and many others. We will miss him and will forever share his funny stories.

The Coopers would like to thank Alberta Health Services for their excellent, tireless, and compassionate work.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Seniors’ Health, #800-11012 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403) 943-0615, Donations - Calgary Health Foundation. 

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

In living memory of Roderick 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.