December 24, 1949 - June 5, 2025
With profound sadness, the family of Donald (Skip) Cooper announce his peaceful passing at the age of 75, on June 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hospice. Born on December 24, 1949 in Port Arthur, Skip was the beloved son of William Charles Cooper and Elaine Ada Smith.
Skip spent his early years growing up in Current River. Following high school at Lakeview where he loved football and wrestling, he attended Lakehead University for Mechanical Engineering. When his mom married Pups Willianen, Skip’s little brother, Barry was born. They enjoyed summers at Pebbly Beach surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. After his dad married Marj, Skip became big brother to two more brothers and a sister.
He loved his friends, a good party with music and dancing, football, The Raiders, and cars, especially his ’57 Chevy, ’69 Camaro and his Firebird. When he met and married Cynthia they shared a love of travel across Canada, the USA and amazing cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Skip’s work life began at Can Car then to Great Lakes Paper where he moved from the News Mill to the Pulp Mill applying his mechanical skills as a Maintenance Planner.
Skip was a proud father and grandfather. He always showed love and commitment to his family, especially his children, Alysia and Trevor. He cheered them on in all their passions.
Skip took a leap of faith in our love of Silver Islet when we purchased a camp with sauna. We treasured the history, the people and making memories.
Skip believed in service to his community when he joined the Hill City Kinsmen, making friends in Thunder Bay and across Canada. He supported the search for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis by raising funds through the local Telethon. He chaired National Convention in Thunder Bay in 1990. Skip was awarded the honour of a Kin Life Membership. He continued his ties meeting with K40, the older Kinsmen.
We are grateful for the medical teams for their incredible care: Dr. Naqi, Dr. LaFerriere, Dr. DelPaggio, and the amazing nurses and doctors at the Cancer Centre and at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Special thanks to Paramed and to Hannah.
Skip showed patience and loyalty to all he knew and loved. Survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Cynthia, daughter, Alysia (Erik), and son, Trevor (Kristen) and his precious grandchildren: Hunter, Sawyer, Makenna and Bryson Skip. Also by our loyal Doodle, Suvi.
Survived by sister, Candi and Jack Wall (Peter, Patrick and Jason), brother, Kent and Christine (Thomas and Alexandra) and brother, Cody and Cathy (Amanda, Jayme and Cody).
Predeceased by mother Elaine Willianen, father William Cooper, son William and brother Barry Willianen. Also predeceased by stepmom Marjorie Cooper and in-laws Esther and William Koski.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre, Cystic Fibrosis, or St. Joseph’s Care Group (Hospice unit).
Gone too soon, deeply missed and never forgotten.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com.
