Corby Mickeal Einer Cooper

March 2, 1977 ~ July 26, 2026

Corby Cooper passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 49 years.

As our family reflects on the losses we’ve faced in recent years, we keep returning to something our dad said when our mom passed: “Life is…” He never finished the sentence, because life is all of it — struggle, sadness, anger, laughter, happiness — and each of us walks a different path through it.

Those who knew Corby knew his path was not simple, and that he carried his own struggles. Losing our parents, who were his compass, brought him deep sadness, and at times he found it hard to navigate the years that followed. But that is not what defined Corby.

Corby passed away from an undiagnosed enlarged heart, the same condition our dad had. We always knew he had a big heart — kind, sentimental, and full of love — but we never knew just how big. It was that very heart that ultimately took him from us.

Corby was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a scientist, a cat lover (as we all know), a naturist, a traditionalist, and a sentimentalist. He took pride in being all of these things to all of us — and he was so much more.

As a child, he was affectionately known as “Goober” — a nickname he’d surely be amused to see in print — and he had a smile that could light up a room. That smile stayed with him from babyhood to adulthood.

Going through family photos brought back a flood of memories. One of our earliest was how much he loved food as a baby. We teased him relentlessly, bringing the spoon close and watching him shake with anticipation, only to pull it away. What can we say? We were siblings — it was our job.

In Mendham, he had the run of the town while the rest of us were in school. He would pack his lunch and head to the local garage to eat with the elderly mechanic. As he grew older, he loved curling and never passed up a historic site or point of interest when traveling — which often made for very long trips. He adored Halloween, especially his beloved Tigger costume, which he wore year after year. When camping, he would wander off to look at plants, study them, and collect the ones that caught his eye. Nature brought him peace. We were so proud when he earned his degree in Environmental Science.

Corby loved cats for as long as any of us can remember. From his early companions Fu Man Chu and Taker to his final love, Sadie, cats were woven into every chapter of his life. Sadie was his pride and joy, often dressed in pearls or an Oilers jersey — a perfect reflection of his humour and affection.

He is survived by his sisters, Kalin and Angie; his brother Taner, along with their families as well as many aunts, uncles, and a multitude of cousins.

A graveside burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in Tompkins, Saskatchewan followed by a Celebration of Life at Argos Restaurant, 3065 Dunmore Road S.E. in Medicine Hat at 2:00 p.m.

Corby is now standing under the big tree, in the embrace of our parents, finally at peace. And as Tigger said, “The wonderful thing about them… was everything.”

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4V4. Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at: 1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2026-07-26
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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