Dr. Eric Cooper
Dr. Eric Cooper passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2011, at the age of 89 years. Eric, a resident of Nanaimo, BC, died quietly at the NRGH Palliative Care Unit.
Eric was born in Royton, England on August 6, 1922. He attended Medical School in Liverpool and married Betty Wainman after completion of his education, on July 12, 1945, and spent time in East Africa during WWII as a Royal Army Medical Officer prior to returning to Stockport, England. In 1958 they moved to Victoria, BC, with their two daughters, and then settled in Nanaimo in 1960. It is here in Nanaimo that Eric made a name for himself as a very gifted and compassionate surgeon, retiring at age 65.
Eric was predeceased just 14 months ago by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty, and 20 years ago by his brother Jack. He survived by his daughter Jane, and her husband Ron Perala, of Cedar, BC; daughter Sally, and her husband Richard Dutka, of Cedar, BC; by his grandchildren, Cathy Winsby, of Nanaimo, Brooke Dutka and Maiggen Dutka, of Vancouver, BC, and Kyle Dutka and his wife Nikki, of Ladysmith BC, and by his great grandchildren Brianna, Nick, and Odessa. He is also survived by a number of relatives in England.
Eric will also be remembered by numerous friends both in Canada and England.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the NRGH Palliative Care Unit for their support and care during Eric’s time there. They also wish to thank the neighbors and friends who meant a great deal to him over the last year following the loss of his wife Betty. There will be no service by request. Donations, in memory of Eric, may be made to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.