November 3, 1924 – November 10, 2017

RCAF Photographer (WWII)
Governor General Foot Guards (Cpt., rtd.)
Public Works Department (Photographer, rtd.)

It is with deep sorrow and regret that the family of J.H. Gordon Cooper announces his unexpected, but peaceful passing at Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital on November 10, 2017, in the presence of his loving wife, Kathe and niece, Susan Casey.

A dedicated and loving family man, Gordon leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Kathe (nee Szelzki), adored sons Roy Cooper (Geraldine) and Jeffrey Szelzki-Cooper (Mylène), as well as sisters Dorothy (late James Casey) and Ellen (Jack Brulé). In addition, he leaves three cherished grandchildren David, Ciara and Marcus. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families. Gordon was predeceased by his father, Arlington; his mother, Irene; brothers Roy (Patricia), Jeffrey (Anne), Harry, John (infant); sister Lois (Roger Dupuis, Albert Routliffe) and father-in-law Joachim Szelzki. The family would especially like to thank nephews Steven (Debbie) Brulé, Roger (Nancy) Brulé, Michael (Tineke) Casey, niece Susan Casey, cousins Philip (Donna) Cooper and Barrie (Denise) Cooper, mother-in-law Inge Szelzki, brother-in-law Brian Szelzki, and friends Lysa and Bill Butler, as well as Ian and Jackie Stewart, for the special attention Gordon received from them, particularly during the past four years.

The memories of his kindness, helpfulness, gentle manner, and above all, his joie de vivre and one-line jokes, will be remembered by family, friends, hockey players, and acquaintances alike.

Special thanks also to Gordon’s dedicated Doctors: C. Morash, L. Eapen, M. Biyani, G. Hajjar, and their wonderful support staff, and the many doctors, nurses and staff of the Civic, Elisabeth Bruyere, Montfort, and General Hospitals, as well as the Heart Institute. Thanks also to the CCAC and ParaMed for their care. Your consideration and care was appreciated.

Gordon was extremely patriotic, having served pre WWII as cadet with Governor General’s Foot Guards, then the RCAF in England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, during WWII. Upon his return to Canada, he re-joined the Governor General Foot Guards and rose to full Captain and life member of the Sargent’s Mess.

As a dedicated volunteer hockey, football, softball, baseball and boxing coach, he mentored thousands of this nation’s youth in the Ottawa area over a period of 65+ years (Nepean, Vanier and Ottawa). Gordon always lent a helping hand to anyone who asked and never asked for anything in return. Hundreds of comments posted credit Coach Cooper/Mr. C as having a significant influence on how his players developed in later life. From NHL hockey players to civil servants and teachers, many followed in his footsteps coaching today’s youth. His “fair play” and “never quit giving 100% until the final whistle has blown”, underpinned his philosophy on life. Many referred to Coach’s thundering velvet hand and kind and gentle soul.

Players and parents alike continued to request his return to coaching year after year so they could play on his teams, often with waiting lists until Gordon was forced to retire from coaching in 2011 due to health reasons, ending a coaching career that spanned from 1946 to 2011. Both Gordon’s sons, Roy and particularly Jeffrey, are carrying on the tradition of mentoring and volunteerism.

Gordon was a member of the Board of Directors at the Recreational Association Centre (RA Centre) for many years and held the position of Vice President many times over the years. As well as participating in the curling leagues, he was an avid Ottawa Senators and Ottawa 67’s fan, and strongly supported the Ottawa Redblacks.

In view of his strong belief that all children should be able to participate in sports, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gordon’s memory to the Canadian Tire “Jumpstart” program, where 100% of donations are used to remove the financial barriers for kids to play sports.

Canada has lost one of the Great Ones, but his spirit lives on in all who shared time with him.

Friends are invited to visit at the at the St.Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 1200 Ogilvie Road (at Aviation Parkway), on Tuesday, November 21, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Remembrance Service will take place in the Chapel at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, followed by interment at The National Military Cemetery at Beechwood . Reception will take place after the interment at the RA Centre Curling Lounge (2451 Riverside Drive).