Obituary of Gerald Anthony Cooper

Gerald Anthony Cooper Sunrise: August 25, 1930 in Rossland, British Columbia, Sunset: March 5, 2015 in Commerce, Michigan. Son of Gerald Anthony Cooper and Nellie Harrison Cooper of Rossland, B.C. Survived by sisters: Evelyn Buttrey and Pat Scott, British Columbia. Pre-deceased by sister: Barbara Martin, B.C. Gerry Cooper was married for 12 years to the love of his life Joan Watts Cooper, who survives him. Children: James Watts and Julie (John) Costa as well as grandchildren: Cassidy and Aubrey Watts and Harper Costa. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins in British Columbia and London, England . Gerry was a successful businessman who owned Incentive and Conference Management. He took clients around the world on one-of-a-kind exotic programs invented by him for clients who met their sales goals. Trips to Bali, Monaco Grand Prix, Alaska, Costa Rica, Venice, South Africa and Antarctica were the norm for this talented man. Gerry had previously worked for the Detroit Red Wings under owner Bruce Norris as his travel coordinator. Friend, Gordy Howe called Gerry "Chrome Dome". Gerry was a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and its Board. He appeared in over 80 movies after being discovered on the Jeopardy Sound Stage in California. He appeared on numerous TV programs such as "ER" and movies such as "The Other Sister". Gerry's last movie was with Clint Eastwood's "Grand Torino". Gerry also appeared in Michigan independent movies to help local talent develop their film related careers. Gerry met and married Joan Watts Cooper, the love of his life, in 2003. They traveled the world together including Antarctica, cooking School in Tuscany, Panama Canal, Whistler, B.C. and numerous cruises. Gerry and Joan Cooper were well known in their local community for participating in the Memorial Day Parade put on by Joe Salvia. They drove veterans from WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Gerry was proud to participate due to his front line service in Korea as a Corporal in the Canadian Army. He proudly wore his medals he received from serving in that theater of conflict. Gerry and Joan proudly worked together when Joan served for 5 years as President of the Meadow Brook Hall Garden Club at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills, MI. Gerry was known as "The First Husband" spreading cheer with his famous smile that would light up the room. Gerry counted his gardening friends as family and they reciprocated. Gerry would want the medical community at Huron Valley Hospital to know that he thanked them all for their efforts to make his life comfortable. He counted them as family. Dr. Jamie Taweel was his doctor and friend. His caring staff was always there for Gerry. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Friday, March 27, 2015 from 4 7 p.m. Wear spring colors and tell Gerry Cooper stories. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Road, Highland, MI, Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 9 a.m., gathering at 8 a.m. Donations may be directed to Charach Cancer Treatment Center, 1 William Carls Drive, Commerce, MI 48382. Please share a memory of Gerry by signing his guestbook.