Stanley Wilson Cooper

1944 - 2022

COOPER, Stanley Wilson
March 2, 1944 - September 28, 2022

To My Stanley
This week, on May 16th, we would have celebrated 53 years of marriage and on the same date 3 years later, 50 years as parents! Instead, we, your family, are left with only memories of you as a cherished husband, proud father, son, brother, uncle, respected co-worker, friend to many, and proud "Papa" to Matieus, our only grandchild. You were also our hero, bravely enduring the debilitating effects of a stroke suffered in 2010. Never one to make a fuss, you left us peacefully in your sleep on a beautiful September morning under the loving care of your second "Family" at Arrowsmith Lodge in Parksville. Dearly loved and missed, you will forever be in our hearts and minds. Love from your "Wee Elaine."

The following sentences are from Stan's biography* that was written for him in 2020 by the activity staff at Arrowsmith Lodge along with a few enhancements by Elaine. This was posted on the door to his room:
Stan was born in Dundee, Scotland, March 2, 1944, to Stanley Robertson Cooper and Evelyn Wilson. He came to Canada in 1953 with his family, following the tragic passing of his young mother from pneumonia in 1951. The family included younger brothers, Gavin and Colin, as well as Stan Sr. and Nessie, a newly acquired step-mother. After attending school in Vancouver, Kitimat and Burnaby, Stan graduated from Burnaby Central High School as President of the Student's Council and immediately went to work at the Bank of Montreal, a career that only lasted for 3 years. He studied Broadcast Communications at BCIT, and it was there, through friends, he met Elaine, his wife. They dated for 3 years and then were married on May 16, 1970, at St. David's United Church in West Vancouver. They resided in Nanaimo for a further 1 1/2 years before relocating to Victoria for 38 years. Stan has been married for over 50 years, raised 3 lovely daughters, Andrea, Gillian and Kerri, and to date, one grandson, Matieus. He worked as a sports editor at the Nanaimo Daily Free Press, and then as a sports reporter and copy editor for the Daily Colonist and Times Colonist newspapers. He was a member of Dale Carnagie, and the Nanaimo Curling Club. Stan enjoyed playing baseball, curling, softball and joining walking groups. He still follows sports on TV, watches movies and reads the Times Colonist. He also had many overseas trips and tours, loved cruising and road trips and dinners out with his wife. There were many gatherings with Stan's brothers and families, resulting in a retirement move to Qualicum Beach in 2009. Stan likes dogs and enjoys it when his dog, Nugget, comes to visit. He enjoys music by Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Lee Ann Womack and, always his favourite, Shania Twain! A memorable trip was to his eldest daughter's wedding in Costa Rica where he actually sat and conversed with Elon Musk, an invited guest.

*Many of the above sentences were dictated by Stan himself before it became too difficult for him to speak clearly. His memory of past events remained phenomenal to the end and amazed us all. He was recognized by his fellow newspaper journalists as a proof reading "Guru"! Please forgive the typos in this piece!
Stan was predeceased by his father Stanley Sr., mother Evelyn, stepmother Agnes (Nessie), cherished sister-in-law Cathie, good friend Dave McCracken, and many relatives in Scotland. He is survived by wife Elaine, daughters Andrea (Luke), Gillian (Rob and grandson Matieus) and Kerri (Josh). Also missed by brothers Gavin and Colin (Heather), nieces Allison and Kristeen and nephews Graeme (Mary) and Kraig (Jenny).
Stan truly loved his journalistic career and the people that he worked with. When he retired from the Times Colonist in March of 2009, his co-workers hoisted his familiar work garb of a plaid shirt to the ceiling, as befits a former sports reporter and fan.
Well done, Stanley, game over!

Our sincere thanks to all the wonderful workers at Island Health, especially the community home care staff in Qualicum, Lisa and the ECT staff and PAR nurses at NRGH, and our dedicated paramedics who transported him for treatments. To all the staff at Arrowsmith Lodge in Parksville, especially Deanna, Karen, Patty and John, you gave him loving care, laughs and comfort as his second "family" for over 8 years. Your friendship and support to me as well will always be treasured. Thank you, Drs Carey Sulz and Pavel Juralovic for your dedicated medical care. To Karen at Dignity First Memorial, grateful thanks for all your help during a very difficult time. I would like to give my friend, Liz, a special hug and thank you, for keeping me calm and focused on our drive home from our vacation in Nakusp, which ended with the sad news of Stan's passing. You were my rock that day! And finally, our everlasting gratitude to Dr. Herb Domke and staff in Victoria for 38 years of care to Stan and our family.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Stan at the Bard and Banker Pub in Victoria on Sunday, July 2nd from 2-5 pm in the Sam McGee room. Elaine and family will be delighted to see family, friends and ex-co-workers at an informal meet and greet to share food, drinks and memories of our Stanley. Please contact Elaine asap at secoop@shaw.ca or with a private message on Facebook if you are able to join us.