COOPER, Hubert (Bert) Stanley WWII Veteran RCNVR On Saturday, January 5, 2019, after a wonderful Christmas filled with family celebrations and a few tots of rum, our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his 96th year.
Dearest husband for almost 72 years of Eunice, loving father of Philip and Valerie (Russell) and caring grandfather of Brenna (David) and Michael. Will be missed by his sister Joan, brother-in-law George, nieces, nephews and many friends. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and Alice as well as Hilda, Lionel, Bruce, Norma and Sharon.
Born on April 16, 1923 in Kenora, Ontario, Bert was an amazing athlete. He played semi-pro hockey in Montreal and was chosen to attend the 1940 Olympics (cancelled) in track and field. Bert joined the navy at seventeen and served on the cruiser HMCS Uganda where he circled the globe and saw action in the south Pacific. After the war he worked at Montreal Locomotive Works and then met the love of his life, Eunice. Together they made a wonderful home in the new development of Crawford Park, Verdun. Bert worked very hard for his family eventually becoming President of Davanac Industries, a railway supply company. After retiring they moved to Toronto to be near their grandchildren and became a very important part of their lives going to every music concert, sporting event and graduation. Another passion was attending Phil’s car races around Quebec and Ontario.
In 2017 Bert moved to Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, K1W where he enjoyed many activities, such as music, physiotherapy and especially the Tuesday lunch group.
We are very grateful to the Grant a Wish Program for making it possible for Bert to attend his granddaughter’s wedding where he and Eunice shared a special dance. Thanks go to all the exceptional staff and volunteers on K1W for the care and love they gave to Bert including Dr. Chu, Linda, Lorna, Nora, Melissa, Glenn (Colonel Bogie), Jim and Doe – you all enriched his life.
Funeral service has already taken place.
Donations to the Grant a Wish Program at https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=veterans-grant-wish-program would be appreciated.
And as Bert, ever the hockey fan, would say – remember to back-check!