Dr. Robert Francis Cooper DDS, passed away peacefully at his home in Ottawa on December 5th, 2023. He was born in Saint John, NB, the son of the late William Thomas Cooper and the late Inez Roxanna (Rathburn) Cooper.
Bob leaves behind his best friend and loving wife of 23 years, Julia Sloane.
Bob will be dearly missed by his children Deborah Kerwin and J. Andrew Cooper (Lara), both of St Andrews, NB., and his grandchildren, Emilia Cooper, Paulina Cooper, Jillian Kerwin, and Jennifer Kerwin.
He will be fondly remembered by his brothers Bill (Elaine) of Moncton, NB, and Tom (Sharron) of Grande Prairie, AB, his aunt Joan (Tippy) Morris of Mississauga ON, and cousin Roberta Morris of Etobicoke, ON, as well as nephew Bill and nieces Zoe, Jill, Romy, Laura and Julie.
He was predeceased by his sister Roxanna, brothers Ben and Jack, niece Becky, nephew Josh, and uncle Eldon Rathburn.
Bob graduated from Moncton High School in 1958 and was Valedictorian. He went to Dalhousie University Dental School receiving his DDS. He then served in the Military from 1959 until 1971 in many areas of Canada and Europe. Following that he practiced Family Dentistry in Milltown, NB, and surrounding areas for 10 years.
In 1981, Bob returned to the military retiring in 1996. Always busy, he obtained a Masters degree in Military History from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters degree in Public Dental Health from the University of Toronto. Bob had many unique interests. For years after retiring, he served as a consultant to Veterans Affairs and to Health Canada. He loved reading and travel, particularly with Julia, and did both as often as possible.
Interment will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the National Military Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON) at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Maj (Ret'd) Corinne B Leek
Col(Ret'd) David Jones and Janet Jones
Bob and I first met in DOTP phase 3 at CFB Borden in 1964. He was part of the large group of students from Dalhousie. We became good friends, worked together, skied together, and even had a beer or two. Bob always had a very sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humour. Unfortunately we had lost touch in these later years. We wish you all the best Julia.
Major (R) Paul Jackson
Rest in peace Bob, I have fond memories of working with you in Treatment Company at the Dental Services School, CFB Borden.
Chris crete
Bob will be missed, always put a smile on my face every morning seeing him in the building.
Brigadier-General (ret) Victor J. Lanctis, Col Cmdt RCDC
Marilyn and I are both deeply saddened by the news of Bob's unexpected passing. Having been friends and military colleagues for quite a few years since first serving together in 35 Dental Unit, Baden Soellingen, Germany in the early 1970s and then at the Dental Services Division in Ottawa, we will miss his joviality and keen sense of humour, as will no doubt his many friends and associates. Our deepest condolences are extended to Julia and all the members of his family. Rest well, Bob!
Garth Christie
Hearing of Bob’s passing from brother Bill brings back a flood of wonderful memories dating back to high school and university years.Great sense of humour and lots of laughs-thanks for being such a great friend.👍
Col (ret’d) Kevin Goheen
A wonderful colleague and dedicated Dental Corps senior leader…my first Career Manager! Bob was always a pleasure to spend time with at RCDCA gatherings and his presence will be dearly missed. Sincerest condolences to Julia and family.
LCol (ret'd) Frank Hedley
I first met Bob in July 1982. I was in Borden at the dental school on my DOTP phase 3B training. Bob would often drive a car-full of us 2Lts over to the mess for lunch, which sure beat walking over in the noon heat of July. Bob was the only person that ever did this. Imagine, a major driving a bunch of 2Lt phase students! Bob would have a wry smile and ask us how it was going. And then have some wise paternal advice to not take it to seriously as it was all part of the program and would work out in the end.
Thank you, Bob. You were a true mentor in that respect. Forty years later you were the only officer from that summer I remember, and you weren’t even an instructor at the school.
Roberta Morris
Bob was always a lot of fun to be around. His sense of humour and sharp mind made for lively and interesting conversations. He was always a good sport when he was being teased. Bob had a big heart and extended kindness to those around him. I will always remember and appreciate the effort Bob made to attend my father's funeral in spite of his own health challenges. Rest in peace Bob. My condolences to Julia and everyone in the Cooper family.
Dounia Hamoutene
My deepest condolences Andrew to you and all your family. OUr thoughts are with you
I am not sure I ever knew him, but he was a fellow RCDC. May you and the family find peace.
Requiescat in pace.