Surrounded by family and friends, the passing of Bill Cooper, husband of Signe Gurholt, occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Monday, 26 April 2010, after a brief illness. Bill was born on 25 July 1954, at North Shields, England, to the late Richard and Alma (Grazzer) Brown. He moved to Saint John in 1974, where he began his career as a Journeyman welder. For many years, Bill worked for Saint John Shipbuilding as a member of Local 3 and then joined UA Local 213 in 2000, and most recently worked on projects with Sunny Corner Enterprises. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humour, and commitment to family and friends. A skilled craftsman and renovator, he shared his expertise generously with all who requested it. Our Billy touched, and will remain part of, many lives. Family and friends have many happy memories of evenings enjoying Bill's hospitality, wit, wine, excellent meals, and games of Canasta, 45s, and Oh Hell in the 150-year-old house that is now a small monument to his many skills. "He may have been a quiet guy but his work ethic and his capabilities spoke pretty loud." Besides Signe, his wife, soulmate, and the love of his life, Bill is survived by two brothers, four sisters, eleven nieces and nephews and eight grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of North Shields, England. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him, including his adoring poodle Frieda.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visitation on Friday, 30 April 2010, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Sunday, 2 May at 2:00 at Bill and Signe's house. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate remembrances to the Saint John Animal Rescue League or a charity of the donor's choice. (www.brenansfh.com)