John Geoffrey Cooper

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Geoffrey Cooper, on March 22, 2024, following complications from a stroke. He will be missed for his warmth and kindness, and his great ability to put people at ease.

Born in Ottawa on August 15, 1943, John spent most of his life in Halifax where he attended Le Marchant Street Elementary and Cornwallis Junior High Schools. In his early years, he spent many summer hours on the Waeg tennis courts and was never shy about letting you know that he had been a Provincial Doubles Champion. No doubt this led to his later prowess on the squash courts during those regular, early morning squash games with his friends, when he lorded it over the competition often enough to win the coveted trophy most years.

John’s high school years were spent at King’s Edgehill School. He loved his time at KES and continued his affiliation with the School for many years, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 2003. He received his Bachelor of Laws Degree from Dalhousie University in 1967, and practised law, first at McInnes Cooper and later at Crowe Dillon Robinson until his retirement in December 2019.

John was the epitome of good humour. He was a natural mediator and always approached a problem with reason and empathy. He had a talent for mitigating any tricky situation with his sage advice, quick wit, and mastery of a well-timed pun – even if it was usually a “groaner”. He delighted in getting to know other people, and was not one to miss the opportunity for a cup of coffee and a good chat. His warmth and common touch made him a great leveler in any conversation.

Among the many organizations John devoted his time to were: The Cathedral Church of All Saints, The Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI, Feed Nova Scotia, Diabetes Canada, the Nova Scotia Housing Authority, and the board of the Halifax Grammar School.

Choral music was John’s true passion. This was no doubt planted during his early years as a choir boy at the Cathedral, and has brought him constant enjoyment throughout his life and solace at the end. During his KES years, he relished singing the Boar’s Head Carol to herald the beginning of the School’s Christmas dinner. The tradition has stuck. There was never a Cooper Christmas Dinner or important milestone of family and close friends without John’s rendition of the Boar’s Head Carol to begin the “feast”.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marjorie (née Baxter); his daughters, Stephanie Blucher (Jeff), Halifax; Allison Lones (Ben), Ottawa; Janet Kramschuster (Luke), California; and his adored grandchildren Jack and Sophie Blucher, Matthew and John Lones, and Maggie and Henry Kramschuster. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. George Cooper, (Tia); Stephen Cooper (Karen); and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Justice A. Gordon Cooper and Helen (Hendery) Cooper.

For his family, he was the rudder that kept the ship on an even keel with his calm demeanour, his humour, and his genuine kindness. He was greatly loved and we will miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sherry Hu, Division of Neurology, QEII, and nurses Jen Chiasson and Leslie Wilson of 7.4. We would also like to express our deep gratitude to the many friends who have sustained us with food, flowers, and comforting messages these past days.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, April 5, at 2:00 p.m., in The Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1340 Cathedral Lane, Halifax, The Very Rev. Paul Smith officiating.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of John, please consider Autism Nova Scotia, Diabetes Canada, which will go to Camps Lyon Maxwell and Morton (diabetes.ca/donate), or The Cathedral Church of All Saints (Outreach).