William "Bill" Press Cooper P.Eng.

William "Bill" Press Cooper P.Eng. (December 30, 1939 - May 31, 2026)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Press Cooper, who leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and deep devotion to family, community, and service.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, N. Gillian Cooper (née Ward). Together, they raised three children: Jennifer, Diana (Derek), and Bill Jr. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Amy, Catherine, Matthew, Henry, Grace, and Bill. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Hladyniuk (Walter) and Kathleen Matthews.

Raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Bill attended the University of New Brunswick, earning a degree in Civil Engineering in 1962—a foundation that shaped both his distinguished career and his lifelong respect for craftsmanship and thoughtful building.

Upon graduation, Bill joined Cooper Construction, a third-generation family business, where he began as a project engineer in 1962. Through hard work and steadfast leadership, he rose to become President and CEO in 1978. Now more than 120 years old, Cooper Construction stands as a testament to the values Bill upheld—integrity, innovation, and excellence. Under his leadership, the company became an industry pioneer in design-build construction and expanded into commercial and industrial real estate development, as well as facilities management.

Bill served as a Director of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Clarica Life Insurance Company, Laidlaw Inc., Ontario Place Corporation, CTV Inc., Stelco Inc., Cogeco Communications Inc., Atlas Cold Storage, YMCA Hamilton, United Way of Oakville, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His thoughtful leadership and sound judgment were widely respected across industries.

Deeply committed to philanthropy, Bill supported numerous causes close to his heart and quietly helped countless individuals, guided by the belief that success carries with it a responsibility to serve others. Bill was one of the longest-serving members of the Board of Trustees at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and served as Vice-Chair. He was Co-Chair of the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital fundraising campaign. Bill was President of the Hamilton Wentworth Business Advisory Council, the Hamilton and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Hamilton YMCA. He was also a former member of the Board of Governors and Past Chair of the Business Advisory Council for the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.

A generous donor, Bill supported McMaster University, Hillfield Strathallan College, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, and numerous other organizations. Closest to his heart was his alma mater, the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. A devoted donor for more than fifty years, Bill supported numerous campaign and capital projects, including the new addition to the Faculty of Engineering’s Head Hall through the William P. Cooper Atrium. Committed to supporting current and future generations of students in the field of Civil Engineering, Bill established the prestigious William P. Cooper Scholarship Fund at UNB.

Bill was a longstanding member of the Toronto Club, Caledon Ski Club, the Toronto Golf Club, the Tamahaac Club, the Hamilton Club, and the Mill Reef Club, Antigua, B.W.I.

Bill was a man of great intellect who took deep pleasure in reading biographies, researching geography and history, as well as exploring his ancestry. He cultivated a distinguished collection of wine, Canadian art, and held a lasting interest in architecture. Bill greatly enjoyed travelling to historically rich and inspiring destinations around the world, especially in the company of his dear friends.

However, Bill’s happiest times were among family and friends at his cherished home, "Lakeland" in Oakville, as well as vacationing in Honey Harbour, Ontario, and at the Mill Reef Club.

Bill’s integrity, kindness, honour, and generosity of spirit touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held on Monday June 8, 2026 at St. Jude’s Anglican Church 160 William Street, Oakville, Ontario, at 3 o’clock pm with a reception to follow at Lakeland.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the William P. Cooper Scholarship at the University of New Brunswick or to a charity of your choice.