Wayne Joseph Cooper

April 8, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Cooper, affectionately known by his friends and family as "Mr. C". Born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on April 20, 1943, Wayne left us peacefully on April 8, 2026, in New Westminster, BC.

Wayne's personal qualities left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Known for his warm, welcoming smile and quick wit, Wayne had a unique gift for making everyone feel valued and at home. His kindness and generosity were boundless, extending far beyond his immediate family to touch the lives of countless friends and acquaintances.

A gentleman of principles and integrity, Wayne was a man of his word. His career was a testament to his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. For over forty years, Wayne was a respected grocer. He began working alongside his father, Ron Cooper Sr., in the grocery business as a boy and grew to become President of Cooper's Foods. Wayne enjoyed various other business ventures and worked well past the traditional age of retirement.

Outside of his professional life, Wayne was an avid sports fan. You could often find him in his beloved chair watching the Toronto Blue Jays, the Vancouver Canucks, a boxing match, or a major golf tournament. As a young man, Wayne was an Emerald Gloves and Golden Gloves boxer and was invited to try out with the New York Yankees. He had a remarkable aptitude for any sport. His enthusiasm for sports was matched only by his love of music, which provided him with endless hours of joy.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Ron Sr. and Mildred Cooper; and his brothers, Ron Jr., Gary, and Mel. He is survived by his sister, Lynne; his children, Ryan (Erin) and Shayna (Chris); and his four beloved grandchildren, Findlay, Bennett, Leo, and Lily.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor Wayne. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided Wayne.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we simply ask for your kind words and support.

Messages of Condolence

I first met Wayne in 1963. He was 19 and working with his Dad at Coopers Shop-Easy store in Kelowna. I was a student working part time at the corporate Shop-Easy store painting signs and did some for the Coopers. Wayne was a great guy, full of personality, good looking and drove a beautiful convertible. He had it all and customers loved him. I wanted to be like Wayne! A few years later he was at there store in Lavington with his Dad and I was in Vernon so again did some signs for them. Then Wayne made the big move to Kamloops to open up Coopers Discount Foods in 1967 and that was the start of many more stores. We stayed in touch and in 1978 Wayne approached me with a business opportunity. That was a turning point in my life and I have always been thankful to Wayne for the introduction.I have been retired for 20 years and now live back in Kelowna and I regret not keeping in better touch with Wayne. He was a great guy from the first time I met him and that is the way I will always remember himTerry Johnston

- Terry Johnston

Dear Shayna , Chris, and family.I was so very sad too here of your Dad's passing. I only met your Dad on a few occasions but I had heard many positive stories and Happy memories from Cindy over the years, relating to her Uncle Wayne or as (Mels Brother, to me), and when I met "Uncle Wayne" in person then it was clear that the heartfelt memories and stories I heard surrounding him were True.I offer my deepest personal condolences, and as i said we only met on rare occasions but even if those circumstances were during "hard times" in more recent years, I was better off from meeting your Dad, brother to Mel, Cindy's father who was also taken from us in 2025.Finally in one conversation i had in particlar with Mel about the family's Newfoundland backgroiund the Cooper stores, and running up to Signal Hill, Mel also specifically mentioned when they were children that Wayne sat on his knee as they travelled many years ago to BC. The Brothers Wayne, Gary, Ron, and Mel were a true Force to be reckoned with. . Truly Rest in Peace Wayne -With Respect,Simon.

- Simon and Cindy Bolton-Smith

Lynne, Shayna, Ryan and families. I was so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I met Wayne in high school when the Cooper family moved to Kelowna. Soon Wayne became friends with a group of us that enjoyed hanging out together, that is if he (and Butch Lima) were not watching baseball with my dad, or football. Wayne has active in sports at school and joined a baseball team in Kelowna. His dad, Ron Sr. Sometimes would load some of us in his car and would take us all out of town to watch Wayne’s ball games.Sometimes there just are not the right words to express what losing friends means.To all of you, when someone you love becomes a memory, those memories become a treasure. So each and everyone of you hold on to those memories as they are golden. Hugs to all, Ardith

- Ardith (Jessop) Feist

Shayna this is such a difficult time. So many memories!! Life goes on but we continue to keep part of them with us always!!💕

- Ed & Leah Perrett

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