Irving COOPER

Cooper, Irving William John
February 7, 1929 - May 5, 2014
It is with deep sadness, but also a sense of peace and celebration of a life well lived that we announce the death of our father on May 5, 2014. Irving was predeceased by his wife Blanche (nee Appleton) in 2000, his parents Gerald and Clara Cooper, siblings Evelyn Henry, Dale, Stan, and Louise Nikulak, and his grandson-in-law Mark Wilson. He will be lovingly missed and forever cherished by his daughters Lynn (Ted) Birchard of Regina and Joanne (Harry) Huys of Saskatoon, his grandchildren Jodi Wilson (Ian Head), Adam (Jen) Huys, and Ryan Birchard and "my little girl" and "my little boy" great-grandchildren Danica Head and Riley Huys. Also mourning his passing is his brother Gordon (Margaret) Cooper and many nieces and nephews. Irving was born at Lebret, SK and at the age of 3 moved with his family to Lorlie, SK. At the age of 13, he began his 24 year career with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, first in the stockyards and then as an elevator agent in McKim, Bienfait, and Milestone. In 1969, he changed career paths and became the Manager of the Milestone Credit Union, taking early retirement 1984. In retirement he and Blanche enjoyed travelling and spending the winter months in Mesa. Irving left this world a better place after a lifetime of helping others. He was an active member of every community in which he lived. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, a town Councilman and Mayor, helped organize the first Rural Fire Department and the Volunteer Ambulance service. He was a member of the Lions and the Odd Fellows Lodge to name a few of the community organizations in which he participated. Irving also refereed hockey and was very active in the running of the Minor Hockey League, coached boys baseball and coached girls softball. In his free time, he enjoyed curling, watching his grandchildren play ball, and visiting with family and friends. Irving took great pride in the Pekingese dogs that he and Blanche bred, raised and showed. But his greatest source of pride was his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Irving's Life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. from Victoria Avenue Funeral Home (2080 Victoria Ave. East, Regina, SK) with Rev. Laura Sundberg officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Disease Foundation (103 Hospital Dr., Saskatoon, SK, S7N0W8) or the Canadian Diabetes Association (104-2301 Ave C N, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5X5).