In Memory of

Robert

Ross

Cooper

Obituary for Robert Ross Cooper

Robert Ross Cooper, beloved husband of the late Joyce Evelyn Cooper and dear father of Gregg, Barry, Donald and Beth, passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

Robert was born on October 1, 1923 in Methven, Manitoba. He grew up in the Wawanesa and Brandon areas where the Coopers rented farm land. His parents purchased a half section in the Little Souris community in 1947 and established the Cooper farm at NE 16-9-19. Robert attended Little Souris School with his older sister Margaret and his younger brother Jack. Each morning, Robert walked several miles to school to load the cook stove, that way the school would be warmed before the arrival of the teacher and other students. He loved sports, especially playing hockey and baseball, and was often on the same team as Jack.

In 1957, Robert bought a half section of land adjacent to his parents’ farm, and completed what is now the Cooper Farm. On October 12, 1957, he married Joyce Evelyn Floyd, a teacher from Brandon. Over time, the family grew to include four children: Gregg, Barry, Donald and Beth. Robert and Joyce worked tirelessly to build the farm and family. Joyce continued as a teacher until her retirement at 65 years. Robert and Joyce farmed together until God called them home; Joyce first in 2003 and then Robert in 2019.

Robert was a true gentleman. He was immensely proud and protective of his family. He took great but quiet pride in seeing the individual successes of his children and grandchildren. School, College and University Graduations, new jobs and careers, weddings, anniversaries and births were all celebrated. He had a special place in his heart for each and every family member.

Robert was a kind and gentle farmer. He loved his cattle and his cats. Every calf was welcomed to the farm upon its birth; petted, often named and loved. He handled his cattle gently and respectfully. He walked amongst them calmly. They came to his calls and never feared him. Every housecat battled for the coveted spot on his lap. Seldom did someone enter the living room without seeing Robert asleep in his recliner, and a cat asleep on his lap.

Robert was an active community member, first at Little Souris and later in the larger Brandon Area. He was a member of the Canadian Hereford Association, a Board Director for the Local Manitoba Pool, and a Director for Heritage Co-op.

Robert was predeceased by wife Joyce Evelyn Cooper in 2003, father Arthur Wesley Cooper in 1982 and mother Mary Elizabeth Cooper in 1973. He was predeceased by his sister Margaret (Ken) Hayward, brother Jack Cooper, and grandson Bo Robinson. Robert is also predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law: Peter and Francis Friesen, Ken and Alma Johnston, Dyck and Ramona Floyd, David Floyd, Gerald May, Douglas and Rose Floyd, Marion Nielson, and Morris and Audrey Lilienweiss.

Robert is survived by sons Gregg (Johann), Barry (Debbie) and Donald (Calla); daughter Beth (Dale) Robinson; grandchildren Rob Cooper, Ross and Brett Cooper, Mitchell and Kylan Cooper, Sage (Matthew), Landon (Emily), and Payton Robinson. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Edith Cooper, Margie Floyd, Dorothy May, Margaret and Rob Elvidge and Vagn Nielsen. There are also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel, on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Rev. Barb Alston officiated. Urn Bearer was nephew Brian Hayward. Soloist was Sage Robinson. Scripture was read by Mitchell and Kylan Cooper and a poem by Joyce Cooper was read by Landon and Payton Robinson. Honorary Bearers were Terry and Kelly Johnston, Leon Morehouse, Marvin Elder, and Douglas and Ronald Ardiel. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Robert may be made to a charity of choice.

“Remember me with love;
Love that I felt for you,
Love that surrounded me.
Love is eternal -
And is all that really counts!”
-Joyce E. Cooper

- We Love You Dad -