Family is how you define it.
James Heaton Cooper was born in New Tecumseth, but left to build a career with Northern Telecom. On his retirement, he moved back to Tottenham to be near his mother’s sister, Adeline Greenhow Rogers.
But Cooper also found new family, through his volunteering.
He regularly attended Tottenham Rich Hill United Church, and he also played a role in helping many first-time home buyers in the New Tecumseth area by providing private mortgages when they were turned down by the banks.
And he was a frequent visitor at Simcoe Manor, a long-term care home in Beeton, operated by the County of Simcoe, where he offered comfort and friendship to residents. Cooper was described as “a kind and caring individual.”
When he passed away suddenly on Oct. 26, 2010, at the age of 84, his will continued his tradition of giving and caring for the community. He left an estate valued at $4 million - 20 per cent of which he left to Simcoe Manor.
The estate was finally distributed this year, and county staff acknowledged a bequest totalling $816,034.90. The funds will go to the Simcoe Manor redevelopment fund, which is currently seeking to raise $1.4 million toward the project.
“The county has embarked on a significant, multi-year project to redevelop Simcoe Manor. The facility is dated and requires upgrades and expansion,” said Jane Sinclair, general manager of health and emergency services. The bequest came with no strings attached, providing “vital funds towards making this project a reality.”
The project will follow the template of the Georgian Village redevelopment in Penetanguishene, which offers a range of lifestyle opportunities, and a continuum of care within a community setting.
“We thank Mr. Cooper for this tremendous gift of generosity. It will truly impact so many of our seniors for generations to come," said Sinclair.
Current minister at Rich Hill United, Patti Rodgers, did not personally know Cooper.
“I am very pleased, however, that his estate will support the new construction at Simcoe Manor,” said Rodgers. “I am one of the ministers who lead worship at the chapel there, and visit residents at the Manor often.”
“Coop” was remembered for his love of Deer Lake in Haliburton, where he had a summer cottage, and for his dedication to “providing support to the community in many ways” – support that continued after his death.
