May 7, 1944 - December 11, 2020
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David George Arun Cooper, who is most commonly and affectionately known as "Smiley Dave". After a hard battle with rheumatoid arthritis, he passed away peacefully in his sleep, his loving wife, Jan, by his side.
Dave is predeceased by his parents, George and Evelyn Cooper of Gibsons, BC. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years and partner of 43 years, Janet Cooper (nee Jeffery), as well as his brothers Ed (Diane) and Brian (Tina).
He also leaves a little bit of himself in his children and grandchildren, Barb (Janessa), Chris (wife Kim, children Noble, Wynn, and Oliver), and Maureen (Surrow, Joshua, Isaiah, and Mary), as well as many nieces and nephews, a large extended family and an infinite number of friends.
David was born in Vancouver and raised in Kimberley and Gibsons, along with his two younger brothers. When he left home, he headed for Kamloops, where he worked as a meter reader with BC Hydro. Always seeking new opportunities, he then moved to what came to be his forever home, Clearwater.
He did various work in and around Clearwater, primarily in nearby mills. It is in this quaint little town that Dave met the love of his life, Jan. He lived nearby and played street hockey with the neighbourhood children, one of which being Jan's son. They got to talking and the rest, as they say, is history.
Dave and Jan built an extraordinarily beautiful life together. He took in her two children as his own, and they welcomed a third together, completing their family. They worked as Park Facility Operators for BC Parks for 16 years, always happy to spend their days surrounded by nature, and meeting new people from all walks of life and parts of the world - many of which they are still friends with to this day.
Dave was also a beloved member of the Clearwater Christian Church, the Clearwater Rockhounds, and the Blackpool Fire Department, for which he played Santa at Christmastime for many years. This was also the case in his home when he became a grandpa, but at home he was "Papa Claus" and held that role for nearly 25 joyous years, embracing it for all 8 of his grandchildren.
Dave's memory will live on in every smile and kind gesture that you see. Loved by so many, he was and is a man who truly brightened every life he touched. May we all live in his light for as long as we can. Dave's family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Arthritis Society in his name.
We also ask that you do your best to carry on his legacy - do good and be kind, and as he always said, take care.