Obituary of Anthony Garry Cooper

Anthony GARRY Cooper With sadness in our hearts, the family of Anthony Garry Cooper announces his passing on January 8th, 2016. Garry was born the eldest son of Tony and Belle Cooper near Eldred, SK on May 9th, 1940. The Coopers moved to Big River in 1941 and this is where Garry and his little brother Mervin forged their childhood memories. Though times were tough, and no one had much money, the Cooper boys lived a very rich life. Garry was musical, and growing up in the 50’s you know a boy with a love of music would have to join a rock and roll band. He, his brother Mervin and 5 of their friends decided to start a band called the 6 Teens. Anyone from town and the surrounding communities will remember Garry playing the drums with the 6 Teens and many other bands in the years that followed. The final band he played in was called the Old Soaks and their crowning glory came in 2000 when they played at the Ness Creek Music Festival. Shortly after high school Garry discovered “the love of his life”, Paulette Otte. Besides being a drummer, Garry was also a great dancer and, with Paulette as a partner, they lit up the dance floor dancing the jive whenever they found a chance. Paulette and Garry were married in September of 1962. Their son, Lee was born in the following year and Tammy and Corrine followed in quick succession. When he was first married, Garry worked during the summer at the Saw Mill located beside Cowan Lake and spent his winters scaling logs at the Landing. After his father became an electrician, he began working for him and began his electrical apprenticeship. After becoming an electrician, he worked for many years with his father, as a part of Cooper Electric. He returned to work at the saw mill as an electrician both when the mill was located in town and after it moved to its current Bodmin site. After many years at the mill, Garry finally decided to form his own company and once again became “Cooper Electric”. Throughout his life Garry was very involved in the community. He was an avid curler, a member of the Kinsmen Club and helped with the planning of the Big River Rodeo. He was also a member of many committees such as the Recreation Board and the New Hall Committee. Garry loved his 8 grandchildren very much and spent a lot of time with them sharing his knowledge of curling strategies, fish anatomy, outdoor education and life. As a family the Coopers have enjoyed many great barbequed meals, fish fries and Sunday breakfasts prepared by Garry and Paulette. A celebration of Garry’s life was held on January 13th, at the Big River Community Centre. A private interment will be held at the Big River Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary or the Big River Community Center. Garry will be lovingly remembered by his children; Lee Cooper (Shelley), their children Brooklyn and Talbot of Red Deer AB; Tammy Wood (Garnet), their children Tony, Kale and Dana of Saskatoon; Corrine Smith (Calvin), their children Hillory, Wesley and Quinn of Debden; his brother Mervin Cooper (Lois) of Big River; sisters-in-law Pauline Sanche (Felix), Linda Mazurkewich (Ted), Lorraine Padbury (Glenn); Carol Krienke (Terry) and brother-in-law Neil Otte (Johanne) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Garry was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Paulette, his parents Tony and Belle Cooper, his parents-in-law George and Antoinette Otte and an infant sister Joy Ann Cooper. Email condolences to www.beaulacfuneralhome.com will be forwarded to the family. Lori Saam of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.