On Sunday, 27 April 2025 Rian Cooper, born 3 June 1946 parted from this World. She referred to herself as “a pig on ice” and took the phrase “keep a stiff upper lip” to a new level. Both an homage to her British roots and a testimony to her strong will!
Rian was born to Lancelot & Henrietta Cooper on 3 June 1946 in Camrose AB. As the granddaughter of struggling coal miners in the “Coulee Hills” near Heisler AB, her early life was challenging to say the least!
Fascinated by bar-room piano & local concerts, Rian learned many instruments and filled countless concert and dance halls with her sister Patty Cooper at her side, often competing to see who could steal the show. This love of music would drive her life and future pursuits.
Rian, despite extreme adversity, went on to the University of Montana to become an accomplished Trumpet and French Horn player. She then became a music teacher to share her talents and passion for music. She served as a music teacher in multiple provinces including Nova Scotia, NWT and MB. Her final teaching position was served as band director for Morden Collegiate Institute where she put in tireless hours for specialty groups such as stage band,
jazz band, Dixieland band and special learning trips and performances for all students who loved music.
A love of animals was something Rian displayed and felt to her very core! She took in multiple stray dogs and when they passed on, took in stray cats others left abandoned on the road. Her bonds with animals were an inspiration for what humanity could accomplish if greed was abandoned by all! Rian truly lived a life of modesty and was content in doing so. “Take as little as is necessary” was her philosophy.
Rian will be truly missed by her daughter Dianne McCullough, son Dustin Cooper, daughter in law Andrea Moses Cooper, Sister Patty Cooper and Patty’s Wife Tina Biello as well as her cats Tiger and Boots. Rian’s last 2 years battling a neurological disorder somewhat challenged her independent strong-willed nature However, her family supported her independence to the very end and she left this world on her own terms! “When a flower grows wild, it can always survive!” Good night Rian, we all miss you and you were loved very much!!
Rian was born to Lancelot & Henrietta Cooper on 3 June 1946 in Camrose AB. As the granddaughter of struggling coal miners in the “Coulee Hills” near Heisler AB, her early life was challenging to say the least!
Fascinated by bar-room piano & local concerts, Rian learned many instruments and filled countless concert and dance halls with her sister Patty Cooper at her side, often competing to see who could steal the show. This love of music would drive her life and future pursuits.
Rian, despite extreme adversity, went on to the University of Montana to become an accomplished Trumpet and French Horn player. She then became a music teacher to share her talents and passion for music. She served as a music teacher in multiple provinces including Nova Scotia, NWT and MB. Her final teaching position was served as band director for Morden Collegiate Institute where she put in tireless hours for specialty groups such as stage band,
jazz band, Dixieland band and special learning trips and performances for all students who loved music.
A love of animals was something Rian displayed and felt to her very core! She took in multiple stray dogs and when they passed on, took in stray cats others left abandoned on the road. Her bonds with animals were an inspiration for what humanity could accomplish if greed was abandoned by all! Rian truly lived a life of modesty and was content in doing so. “Take as little as is necessary” was her philosophy.
Rian will be truly missed by her daughter Dianne McCullough, son Dustin Cooper, daughter in law Andrea Moses Cooper, Sister Patty Cooper and Patty’s Wife Tina Biello as well as her cats Tiger and Boots. Rian’s last 2 years battling a neurological disorder somewhat challenged her independent strong-willed nature However, her family supported her independence to the very end and she left this world on her own terms! “When a flower grows wild, it can always survive!” Good night Rian, we all miss you and you were loved very much!!