December 3, 1935 - August 5, 2021
Ray was born on Dec. 3, 1935 in Hebburn, Durham, and was raised in Wallsend, Northumberland England.
He moved his young family to a log cabin in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains, on the shores of Premier Lake near Skookumchuck in the East Kootenays, in 1964.
Ray managed the thousand acre S Half Diamond Ranch (a co-op property) for 10 years. It was a step back in time for the family, to an almost pioneer life style. It was an idyllic environment for his son Lee's childhood, who spent countless hours swimming, hiking and horseback riding immersed in the boundless beauty of the area.
In 1974 he moved the family to Cranbrook, and started his own business Cooper Construction, building several houses before he got on with Crestbrook's Skookumchuck Pulp Mill as a warehouseman/trucker loader. He retired in 2000, but had been on LTD for several years for a health issues.
He met his second wife, Dawn, in 1980 through a mutual friend. They had a long and happy life together, filled with travel to Britain, Ireland, Hawaii, the Carribean, and Mexico. Ray chauffeured Dawn to numerous quilt shows and competitions across Canada & the USA in their various RV's.
Dawn & Ray built their dream home in Procter on the shore of Kootenay Lake. Dawn gardened & Ray spent many hours on the lake fishing.
He passed away with his wife Dawn & son Lee by his side, after a short illness, on Aug. 5 in the Trail Hospital.
He was predeceased by his parents Alison & Sammy Cooper, & first wife Kay Cooper.
Ray is survived by his wife Dawn, son Lee, sister Thelma, as well as many nieces, nephews & cousins.
As an expression of sympathy, your donations made in Ray's memory to KBRH Health Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail BC, V1R 9Z9 would be greatly appreciated. He received excellent care on the surgery & medical ward from all of those involved in his care.
Also, many thanks to the staff of the 3rd floor at the Kootenay Lake Hospital who looked after him before being moved to the KBRH.
We will love you until the rivers run still.