HARRY WHILTON COOPER

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HARRY WHILTON COOPER On January 15, 2003, Harry passed away in his sleep at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. He was to celebrate his 83rd birthday on January 30. Harry is survived by his son Jim; daughter-in-law Kim; grandsons, Zack and Jake; and his sister Mary. He was predeceased by his wife Ady; parents Charles and Mary; siblings, Tom, Alec, George, Margaret, Irene and Edith; sister-in-law Joanne Edwards; and brother-in-law Jim Edwards. Harry was born, raised and educated in Basswood, MB, where he worked on the family farm and other area farms through his youth. He served his nation and the cause of freedom during the Second World War, having been a motorcycle dispatch rider in Belgium, France, Holland and Germany. In June 1946, Harry married Ady in a double ceremony during which Adys sister Joanne married Harrys comrade-in-arms Jim Edwards. Returning to Canada with his Dutch bride, Harry farmed near Rapid City for a number of years before settling in Brandon, which became their permanent home. Harry worked for over 20 years with Manitoba Hydro in a variety of roles. It was difficult to find anywhere in Manitoba where Harry didnt have some memory of having worked in the region, drawing poles to be used in the construction of hydroelectric transmission lines. In 1964, after 18 years of marriage, Harry and Ady welcomed the arrival of their only son Jim. Of all of the hats Harry wore in his lifetime, he wore the father hat the best. One could not possibly hope to have had a more loving, supportive and dedicated father. Harrys primary ambition as a parent was to ensure that his son would be able to enjoy opportunities and advantages that he himself never had. This ambition later extended to his grandsons Zack and Jake, for whom he established education funds soon after their births. Harrys family acknowledges the support of innumerable professionals who provided services to Harry in his home and during his many hospital and clinic visits over the years. Thanks also go out to the regular visitors who helped ease the burden brought about by Harrys limited mobility during the last few years. A special note of thanks to the Emrick family who took a special interest in Harry during the past year or so, providing meals, transportation and, most importantly, fellowship. Funeral service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, Brandon, on Saturday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m. A private family interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery, Veterans Section. Donations in memory of Harry may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Special Equipment Fund," 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3, or to the Brandon University, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2003