COOPER, Michael Alexander, MB. BS. (LOND) died peacefully in bed on 4 December 2025. He was in his 99th year. Born into the Anglo-Argentine community of Buenos Aires. His father, a veteran of the Great War, died young, his mother remarried and he became the stepson of a future baronet. Boarded at Bishop’s Stortford College in the UK. Joined the Royal Army in 1945 to serve for 3 years as a junior officer in Mumbai (“Bombay”). Returned to the homeland as an officer in the King’s Palace Guard. Resigned his commission in 1949 to study medicine at the London Hospital, Whitechapel.
Married Elizabeth Joy Kirk in 1953. In 1955 the young couple immigrated to Canada where he interned at the brand-new Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Practiced medicine in Oakville, ON. Moved his family to Victoria, BC in 1964 and practiced general medicine out of the family home for several decades. Member of the medical staff at St. Joseph’s and Royal Jubilee Hospitals. His gentility, charm and quick wit won him the esteem and affection of friends, professional colleagues, and patients alike. He often assisted his specialist colleagues in the operating room. He delivered his own patients of hundreds of babies.
Predeceased by his wife in 2020, Dr. Cooper is survived by his son Alec (Sylvie) in Quebec City and by his daughters Winnie and Veronica (Scott) in Victoria, his grandchildren, Michael (Daisy) in Toronto, Oliver in Vancouver, Marie-Sophie and Frederic (Heloise) in Quebec City, Liz (Nathaniel) in Ottawa, and his 7 great-grandchildren.
Thanks to the staff at Glenwarren Lodge. Private cremation. No flowers by request. A private gathering of family and friends to honour the departure of Dr. and Mrs. Cooper will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Cooper” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Veronica Cooper
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Lois Fernyhough Vee and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. It sounds as if he had a wonderful life. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Take care,
Lois
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Jeremy Sturgeon Dear Alec,
I have just learned of your Father’s death, and I want to send my deepest sympathy to you and your sisters and your family. He was of very great help to me, in recommending me for admission to The London Hospital. My parents thought very highly of him as well. He was always very kind and encouraging to me, and he was a wonderful example of a good family doctor when I knew him in Oakville. I am so very grateful to him.
No matter the age or the time, it is always a great sorrow to lose a parent. I hope you will all take comfort from his peaceful death, and that you will soon be able to remember the many happy times you all had as a family.
Once again, my very deepest sympathy to all of you. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
With very best wishes,
Yours,
Jeremy Sturgeon.
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Shelly H. What a lovely man and wonderful Doctor. He was always kind to the young nurses and when I had been around a bit it was fun to see him up on the wards and in the booking office. Having such a wonderful long life is not much solace for his family but many good memories to look back on.
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Darshi Vee, Lizzie and Winnie
I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s (Grandpa) passing. I know he was such an important part of your lives. I’m thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Hugs Darshi xo
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anne christensen I’m so sad for you, Winnie.
Your dad was very beloved by many student nurses at the Jubilee Hospital school of nursing residence during my time back in the early 70s when many of us were regulars at “sick parade”.
I was so happy to connect with you at Yellowpoint, but I’ve lost your contact information so can you please get in touch once your life has settled down a bit?
Anne HertzbergChristensen Jan ‘72
annecis@telus.net
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Grace Keeffe My heartfelt condolences to Alec, Winnie, Veronica and all the family and friends of Mike.
‘Uncle Mike’ will be missed – a true gentleman in every way. From Grace (Molony Keeffe)
Thank you all for your lovely comments! The three of us are so touched that you took the time to write, to let us know how our dear dad touched your lives.
With warmest wishes,
Veronica, and Winnie and Alec too!