Harry Malcolm Cooper of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, passed away on December 16, 2021, at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario, at the age of 82. Harry lit up the room when he walked in and was always the life of the party. He made people laugh. He made them feel comfortable and he made them feel important. His one-liners never grew old, and his infectious laugh rang out in almost every conversation. Harry was born in Highland Creek, Toronto, Ontario on September 18, 1939, to Harry Arthur Earl Cooper and Florence Cathleen Brown. The middle of three sons, he spread his wings early, leaving home at a young age and becoming a band member of The Three Reeds. With Harry playing bass, the band was described on a 1968 vinyl LP release as a contemporary harmonica trio and on another, "The World's Greatest". They travelled extensively, playing in many night clubs and venues across eastern Canada and Ontario. After producing eight records, the band parted ways and Harry settled down in Rosemont, Ontario with his young family in the early 1970s. His career would take him in a few different directions after he left the band, including opening a boot and saddle shop in Rosemont. What really defined him in his career, though, was becoming a food broker, building his own successful brokerage from the ground up in the 1980s. His life in the hills of Mulmur over the next 30 years included many memorable family gatherings, his quarter horses, great neighbours, great friends, and lots of card games! His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. And to the four of them, Pop hung the moon. After the passing of his wife Bernice in 2007, Harry met Sandra and they were married on January 21, 2010. Soon after, they moved to Bobcaygeon to be closer to his brothers. The opportunity to take the boat out and go fishing was always at his doorstep. Harry is predeceased by his parents, his wife Bernice (nee McNutt), his brother Robert, his sister-in-law Laurie Anne, his nephew Mark, and his great-nephew Ryan. He is survived by his wife Sandra (nee Beames), his brother Norm (Lorraine), his children Scott (Deb) and Lisa (Dave), his step-daughter Melissa (Dave) and his grandchildren Calvin (Kendra), Taylor, Boyd (Carly) and Lane (Kate). A private family celebration of life will be held for Harry, and he will be interned at Mansfield Presbyterian Cemetery in Mansfield, Ontario. People wishing to honour Harry's memory can make a donation to the
Canadian Cancer Society.
www.thomasfuneralhome.ca
Published by Simcoe County News on Dec. 23, 2021.