Tribute

Gerry was born in Coventry England to Victor and Elsie Cooper, he had one brother Emanuel. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family there,whom he remained in contact with throughout his life. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 to British Columbia where his Uncle Jim (James) Cooper lived with his family. Gerry worked on the construction of several facilities in and around Prince George. This is where he met his future wife, Marie. They first meet at a bar where he came up to their table (he was known to one of the group) and proceeded to toss several handfuls of screws on the table like confetti (a unique sense of humour he had). They were married in Coquitlam in 1963. Gerry was always known for his ready laugh and sense of humour. When working in Prince Rupert during the centennial he told his daughters that the queen was coming to have tea in his work shake – this remained a long standing joke with his girls. When his daughter Alison and family moved to Fort St. James he told them stories about going to the grand opening of the Fort St. James Hotel, back in the 60’s and of fishing on Stuart Lake. He was always willing to lend a hand when family and friends need help, he went to Kamloops many times to help Wendy with the construction of her house. He was a creative individual and hand carved many wonderful rocking horses that are works of art. He was a magnet for young children, he loved to amuse them and they loved to be around him. He was found of dancing and could be found prancing around the living room or kitchen.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Cancer Associations or Neurological Disorder (Gerry suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).

Gerry passed away peacefully in Surrey Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived by wife Marie; daughters, Alison (Paul), Wendy (Glyn); granddaughters, Jessica, Tamera (Micheal), Sarah; niece Cory (Rob); nephews David (Jen), Victor (Charlotte); brother-in-law Ken; great grandnephews & grandniece, Amber (Sam), Shaun, Jesse; cousins, Robert (Charlotte), Violet, Mirabelle (Hughie), Jean (     ), Audrey, Charles, Phillip, Tamara (Jean-Luca), Maisie. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will be held at St. Bernadette (6543-132 St. Surrey, Canada) on July 6th  from 11-2pm. No flowers please, donation in lieu to either the Cancer Society or to brain disorder societies (he suffered from PSP). Gerry will be laid to rest with his parents and brother in Allesley Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Coventry at that time, notice to follow.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Cancer Associations or Neurological Disorder (Gerry suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).