Pembroke

Chris Cooper

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Chris Cooper.

Hi, Chris! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is Chris Cooper. I am a private event DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and event designer with the company I own, CCDJ Events & Entertainment.

I was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and moved to Pembroke 36 years ago to continue my radio broadcasting career. I started as a DJ when I was a teenager at the high school radio station, and began spinning tunes at the local roller-skating rink. I got my big break as a 19-year-old radio news reporter in Wainwright, Alberta. My radio career spanned over three decades, taking me to Moose Jaw, SK; Medicine Hat, AB; Kapuskasing, ON; Lloydminster, SK; and my hometown of Saskatoon, SK.

Football has always been a passion, as a lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and as a coach. I was involved with bringing high school football back to Pembroke, coaching at Fellowes High School for seven years, as well as the NCAFA Minor Football League in Ottawa, and the Ottawa Sooners Junior Football Club.

The Ottawa Valley has become my home, where I’ve raised four boys who were all actively involved in local sports.

What sound do you hate?

I’d have to say the sound of a bad mix of two songs together. If songs aren’t mixed on beat and with the right tempo and pitch, it can sound like a pair of shoes in a dryer.

Do you have any phobias? What are they?

I have a fear of heights, roller coasters, or anything that doesn’t have my two feet planted firmly on the ground.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have a trip to the Netherlands on my bucket list. One of my dad’s older brothers was a pilot in WWII and had his plane shot down and was killed over Holland. My dad and my two brothers were able to visit his grave site a few years ago, but I was unable to because of work. I would really like to pay my respects and visit Amsterdam and the surrounding area.

What is your perfect combination of pizza toppings?

I’m a ham and pineapple guy. It has to be thin crust, though.

Have you ever been told you look like a famous person? Who was it? Do you agree?

I’ve been told by a few people that I look like the actor, Brendan Fraser. I’m not sure I agree, though.

What was the worst style choice you ever made?

The mullet. I rocked a mean one back in the day.

Are you a cat or a dog person? Why?

I’m a dog person. We had a dog growing up that was part of the family, and I also had a couple of dogs with my own family as my kids were growing up.

If you were an Olympian, which sport would you compete in?

Water Polo. As a teenager, I was a member of the Saskatchewan Junior Men’s team. We competed in several tournaments across the country. Great sport.

You’ve just won the lottery. What will you do with your windfall?

I would probably set off on an endless trip, travelling the globe and experiencing new places and cultures.

What do you miss the most about being a kid?

I’d say the endless football, baseball, and hockey games we used to organize at the local park down the street. It didn’t matter how many people we had; we always organized a game. No referees or parents — just kids. We’d play until we were called home for supper or it was too dark out. Fond memories for sure.

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Chris.

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Next week, we welcome Carol Ripley.