Donald Cooper

Cooper Donald George "Donnie" - It is with great sadness that the family of Sgt. Donald George Cooper (retired) announce his sudden but peaceful passing surrounded by his family at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sunday February 22, 2015. He was born in Saint John on June 18, 1953 and was the son of the late John and Evelyn (Kearns) Cooper. Donnie is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife of 39 years, Cathy Cooper (Evans); his son Justin (Ashley Graham); his brother David (Tamara Steele) both of Saint John; his sisters Barbara of Red Deer Alberta and Deborah (Leonard) of Oakhill, Florida; his step-mother Clare Cooper (Daly) and great uncle David Cooper. Also survived by his close cousins Donna Kelly (Brian), Heather Davis (Ron), Billy Kearns (Mary) and extended family including, loving brother in laws; sister in laws and many cherished nieces, nephews; great nieces; great nephews as well as numerous friends and colleagues. Don graduated from St. Malachy’s in 1972 and then joined the Saint John Police Force in 1973 until his retirement on November 15, 2011. He was a man of great Catholic faith who was a parishioner and a former Beaver Leader at St. Joachim’s Church. Don played metro gents hockey then at age 34 he turned to coaching various teams including the police softball and hockey teams, Central Saints Pee Wee Football team for 43 years, and the East Coast Pub & Grill Wings hockey team. He was an avid fan of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, the Pittsburg Steelers and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Don also volunteered at the Saint John Police Museum. Resting at Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home 100 Waterloo Street (634-1965) with visiting on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday February 27, 2015 at 10am at the Cathedral on Waterloo Street followed by interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations to the Fundy Minor Football (Jeff Dubee Memorial Fund) or a charity of the donor’s choice can be made online at www.fitzpatrickfh.com.