Obituary of Joseph Cooper

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Cooper on Friday, July 21^st, 2023 at the age of 52 with his wife Anne (McDougall Cooper) by his side after a nearly two-year battle with cancer.

Joe loved Anne with all his heart and the sun rose and set on his three children: Mackenzie, Donovan and Winston.

Joe was born and raised in London, Ontario on September 24^th, 1970, the dearly loved son of Patricia Cooper de Ryk and Mel Cooper. Joe grew up with his sister, confidante, and “Irish twin” Melanie, whom he loved and adored and shared so much of his life with.

Joe lived a life rich with family, friends and fun times. He was happiest when he was outdoors and he shared that quality with the people he loved. Joe taught so many of us how to fish! Joe made friends easily and kept them for life. Whether in London, Waterloo, New York City or Vancouver, Joe valued connecting with people, creating an extraordinary group of lifelong friends with whom he shared countless stories, laughter and some of the most cherished moments of his life. 

Joe loved every moment spent with his children, coaching their sports teams and leading their activities.  Joe was always up for an adventure – be it to Nepal or Algonquin Park or Long Point. Above all, Joe’s deepest love was being at home or at their cottage with Anne, Donovan, Mackenzie, Winston and his loyal dogs, Solo and Rosie. Joe was an extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He loved his family and friends deeply, and he shared that in every hug and handshake. Joe was kind, honest, generous, the ultimate host and he loved to laugh. Joe will be missed each day by all of us who had the honour of knowing him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Anne, and their children Mackenzie, Donovan and Winston, by his devoted parents, Mel and Joni Cooper and Pat and Bob de Ryk and sister Melanie, his stepsisters, CJ and Jen and stepbrothers Peter and Ed (deceased) and their families. Joe will be deeply missed by his in-laws, Don and Marion McDougall and the entire McDougall family. Uncle Joe was the beloved and fun loving uncle who shared countless happy moments with his nieces and nephews who adored him with all their hearts.

Joe is loved beyond measure.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s RC Church, 80 University Avenue W., Waterloo on Tuesday August 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Pawel Jamroz officiating. A celebration of life reception to follow at Westmount Golf & Country Club, 50 Inverness Drive, Kitchener at 1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Joe are asked to consider Grand River Regional Hospital Foundation-Cancer Centre, Camp Amici, & Friends of Algonquin Park. Condolences for the family may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com