February 6, 1937 – January 2, 2024
With deep sorrow and loss, Garry’s family announces his sudden passing at the age of 86.
Garry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Donna; loved father of son, Curtis (Charlotte) Cooper; daughters: Shelley (Ron) Nadolski, and Dawn Kelly; grandchildren: Tiffany, Ben, Jenilee, and Nathan; and fondly remembered by his 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Garry was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Brittany; sister, Carol; brother, Wayne; and son-in-law, Zane Kelly.
Born and raised in Weyburn, SK., Garry began his lifelong career as a journalist writing for Weyburn Review, Red Deer Advocate, Edmonton Journal, and Edmonton Sun. As a sportswriter, he covered boxing, car and horse racing, skiing, and was widely known for his column, “Outdoors With Garry Cooper”. He used his love of the outdoors to start the Huck Finn School for kids to learn and appreciate the great outdoors.
After retirement, Garry became a classic car enthusiast after restoring his pride & joy,
‘Sh-Boom’, a 1952 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible and ‘Thumzup’, a 1954 Chevy pick-up truck. As a young boy, Garry spent his summers on his grandma’s farm in SK. where he nurtured his love of horses and hunting dogs.
Garry was a very creative man in both his surroundings and wordsmithing. He was a kind and generous gentleman and will be long remembered as a great punster. When he recently lost his voice, he said he was going to look for it in the “invoice department”.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive.
If you wish, you may donate to Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
