Contact: Colin Cooper

Email,    cmccooper@shaw.ca

Sad news of Cathy Cooper.......... founder of DSISO-Canada

Catherine Lai Yin Cooper (nee Yee)  

Cathie passed away peacefully at Nanaimo’s Palliative Care Unit on July 16th, 2010.  For over 18 months she fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.   

She was born in Montreal, Quebec on Nov 6, 1953.  Pre-deceased by her father Eric Yee and survived by her mother Beatrice of Vancouver.  She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 33 years Colin, daughter Kristeen and son Kraig.  Brother Derek(Karen)Yee and sister Sandra Rempel of Vancouver.  In-laws Gavin Cooper, Margie Cooper, Stan(Elaine) Cooper and many nieces and nephews.

Cathie was well admired in the Nanaimo community.  She was involved with Special Olympics and many local sports organizations.  She was the driving force in the formation of the Canadian Down Syndrome Swimming Association.  Her family was her highest priority, spending the majority of her energy and time on education and sport with her children. 

In her working life Cathie worked at “the bank” for over 32 years.  Her customers very much appreciated her hard work, her attention to detail and her smile. Cathie’s ability to help others, in all aspects of life, was her trademark.  

We thank everyone who have shown their concern and have supported us over this very trying time.  Thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff of NRGH Palliative Care, NRGH Cancer Clinic, Dr Stephen Chung(VGH-Vancouver), Dr Spry, Dr McIlwaine and Dr Kuramoto.  

A special thank you to Heather Morris for her positive influence and for her compassion in the final months and moments of Cathie’s life.  

There will be a private family service after the cremation. There will be a Celebration of Life event on September 18^th, 2010.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

Talk about making a splash in a big way. That's what Moncton's Jonathan Henry accomplished on the weekend.

Jonathan Henry

The 26-year-old Henry set a Down syndrome age-class (25-34) world swimming record in the 100-metre freestyle event at the BLAST Spring Invitational meet in Bathurst.

The world record showing in Bathurst cemented his credentials for the world Down syndrome swimming championships in Taipei, Taiwan, Oct. 1-8. He had already qualified for the world championships from previous swimming performances.

In addition to his world record in the 100 free (1:17.44), Jonathan also set eight America's (North and South America) records in the 100 free, 50 backstroke, 100 back, 50 fly, 100 IM (individual medley) and 50 free.

His America's record setting accomplishments were all age-class records while his 100-free and 100-back times were also open records.

As a member of the Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club in Moncton, Jonathan swims 10 hours a week and weight trains two days a week.

Jonathan's parents are Peter and Shirley Henry of Moncton.

His father Peter said Jonathan doesn't get all that excited about medals or world records but just likes to swim.

"He just enjoys being part of the team and being accepted by his teammates," Peter said.

Besides swimming, Jonathan competes in curling, speedskating and golf.

He was also one of two male Special Olympians to compete at last summer's Canada Games in Prince Edward Island.

When he swims at he world Down syndrome championships in Taiwan this fall, it will be Jonathan's first time competing against his true peers ­-- all competitors have Down syndrome.

Jonathan will also be participating at this summer's Special Olympics nationals in London, Ont., July 13-17. It will be his first time at the nationals.