Passing of Roger Cowper

Dear Rugby Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we share the news with you that our good friend and rugby colleague Roger Cowper passed away yesterday, Saturday February 20, 2016.

Here is a note from Franko: We just received a sad call from Alexander Cowper, Roger's son. Our friend Roger passed away this morning. Thank you for your concerns and visits over the past few months. He really did appreciate them. John Franklin Roger Cowper was a rugby leader on and off the field since the 1960's in Edmonton.

He played prop for Alberta against England in 1967, and was on several Druid RFC city and provincial championship teams over the years. His last game was at Rugbyfest 2013, when he was bagpiped onto the field playing prop for the Antediluvians, achieving his goal of playing rugby in every decade of his life.

Roger was a key executive member for the Druids RFC and the Edmonton and Alberta Rugby Unions, and he is as an honorary life member in them all. He was instrumental in the development of Ellerslie Rugby Park, and the Strathcona Druids RFC facilities.

He was a regular fixture at local rugby games. Roger was extremely knowledgeable about past and present local, provincial, Canadian and international rugby. He attended the 2015 Rugby World Cup last September in England and Wales even though he was fighting cancer. Roger was a true gentleman and a great friend to many. A celebration of life is to be held with the date and venue to be determined.

Seize the day and enjoy the ride, Eric Germain

*Details of the celebration will be posted once the details have been confirmed