June 15, 1946 – January 31, 2024

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Jerry “Coop” Cooper on January 31, 2024.

Jerry passed the way he lived, on his terms; with his wife of 32 years, Marcia, by his side. He is survived by his children — Cheryl, Phillip, Gerald, & Haley (Denver); Jonathan (Keri) & Dana (James); Brother – Clayton (Novella); & sisters – Ellen (Glen) Smailes, Arline Willsie & Jan (Robert) Ristau; his grandchildren, nieces/nephews & his many friends & family. Jerry is predeceased by his parents Phillip & Gerty Cooper; sisters – Lois, Peggy & Terry; sons – Gary Cooper & Cory Hanuse; & grandson Jesse Cooper.

Jerry was born on June 15, 1946, in Kamloops, where he lived for the first 19 years of his life in Westside, before moving to Nicola Ranch in 1965. During his almost 60 years in the Nicola Valley, he rode and worked at almost every ranch in the area.

He was someone that cowboys & ranchers alike looked up to, due to his vast knowledge with cattle, ranching and horses. He loved the business and was most happy riding, either at work or a rodeo. Jerry was a talented team and calf roper winning several buckles that he proudly talked about and displayed.

Along with being an excellent cow man, he was always ready to tell a good story, ones that his family have heard many times before, and will surely miss. Even in his final days, when friends came to visit, and say their goodbyes, he was up for a good story and laugh. There are very few people in the ranching world who didn’t call Coop their friend.

At Jerry’s request, he has asked for a Celebration of Life later in the year, which will be announced when details are available. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Merritt Little Britches Rodeo Association – for all those little ones wanting to continue in rodeo and the life he loved and lived. Contact for donations to Merritt Little Britches: Leah Hassle-Mobbs – lhasslemobbs@gmail.com

Thank you for all your love and support the Cooper/Cooke family.

You may offer a message of condolence at Merritt Funeral Chapel for the Cooper/Cooke family.

• Date : 2024-01-31
• Location : Kamloops