John Cooper

COOPER, John H. 'Coop' DFC CD - (Pilot, RCAF Wing Commander Retired) Died peacefully in Oakville, Ontario, January 6, 2010 at the age of 91, after a rich and rewarding life. During WWII, he served as an instructor at No. 11 SFTS Yorkton, Saskatchewan; flew on operations with 432 (Leaside) Squadron, 6 Group, Bomber Command; and was a POW in Stalag Luft 3. Predeceased by his caring, loving, kind and gentle parents John and Annie Cooper, Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan; his loving, vibrant and delightful wife Doris (Bricker/Parke); his humorous brother Kenneth (Pearl); his greatly admired brother Richard (Eileen); and his sister and great pal Joyce (Gordon). Survived by his terrific son John and wonderful daughter-in-law Sally and mighty fine and highly loved grandsons John, David and Tom; and a very dear, special friend Margaret (Peg) Murray of London, Ontario. He considered that he enjoyed a most fortunate life, Per Ardua Ad Astra ('Through Struggles to the Stars') or as Coop said 'Getting to Heaven the hard way'. Friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville (905-844-3221) on Saturday, January 9, 2010 for a Celebration of Coop's life in the Chapel at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. A Book of Memories and Condolences for the family may be left at www.wardfuneralhome.com