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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
COOPER, Herbert (Bert) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Herbert "Bert" Cooper, age 88, of Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, on August 4, 2026, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on December 15, 1937, Bert was the son of the late, Herbert "Bert" Cooper Sr. and Dorothy (Selon) Cooper. He spent much of his life in Halifax's North End, where he built a life grounded in family, hard work, and lasting friendships.
As a young man, Bert proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy, sailing on many different ships and traveling to places around the world that most people only dream of seeing, including Easter Island. He especially loved destinations with warm, sunny weather. The hotter the climate, the happier he was.
At the age of 17, Bert met the love of his life, Jeanette (Slaunwhite) Cooper. Together they shared 66 happy years of marriage and raised two children, Cristal and Brad. Their love and devotion to one another were evident throughout their lives. For many years, Saturday nights meant dressing up and heading to the dances at the Fleet Club, a tradition they both greatly enjoyed.
Bert was a man of strong values and old-school manners. He loved boxing, and when a match was on television, everyone knew to keep the noise down or face his disapproval. He took pride in his appearance and was always well groomed and impeccably dressed. He also had a stubborn streak, and once he had made up his mind, there was very little anyone could do to change it.
Bert was a longtime member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 in Fairview. Several times a year, he enjoyed attending Legion reunions and special events with his good friend and fellow Navy veteran, Ed MacKay ("Mac"). In March 2026, Bert was honored with a Certificate of Recognition for twenty years of dedication and support to veterans, their families, and the community.
In recent years, Bert enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved sitting on his back deck in the sunshine, watching hummingbirds visit their feeder and gazing at the clouds drifting across the sky. He faithfully completed the Word Sleuth puzzle in the newspaper every day. A talented painter, he had a creative side that many admired.
Bert also loved cooking. He was known for making homemade pasta from scratch and spent years teaching his grandchildren how to make homemade pizza, a Saturday night tradition. He rarely missed a cooking show, enjoyed hot sauce, and was always willing to try unusual foods and new flavors.
He was a quiet, humble man who never failed to express gratitude for the kindness shown to him. Above all else, Bert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and family man whose love and guidance will be deeply missed.
Bert is survived by his children, Cristal (Mike) and Brad (Betty); his beloved fur baby, Cassie; his grandchildren, Lindsay (Chris), Kim (Justin), Joel (Lauren), Meagan (Nick), and Nicole (Richard); and his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Logan, Isabelle, Sloane, and Audrey.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jeanette, and by his parents, Herbert Cooper Sr. and Dorothy Cooper.
A memorial service will be held in T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support, kindness, and condolences during this difficult time. (T. J. Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists)
Ships served in: HMCS CAPE SCOTT - Served in CAPE SCOTT during the Medical Expedition to Easter Island
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