With 50 years of experience in the investment industry, W. Frank Cooper has seen it all. Having worked at RBC Dominion Securities and its predecessor firms since the days of hand-written orders and typewritten memos, he is a true industry veteran in today's world of electronic market orders and Blackberry-wielding.
Originally from Acton, Ontario, Frank moved to Toronto in 1959 to pursue his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Ryerson College (now Ryerson University). Upon graduation he joined Ross Knowles & Co., a Toronto-based financial advisory firm, before moving the growing practice to St. Catharines in 1964. In 1967 Ross Knowles & Co. merged with Pitfield MacKay to form Pitfield, MacKay, Ross & Co. Over several years and a series of mergers, the firm evolved to what it is today – RBC Dominion Securities.
For over 20 years Frank was the Branch Manager for the Niagara Region branch of RBC Dominion Securities. Today Frank is an Associate Portfolio Manager with Cooper Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities.
To keep ahead of an industry that is constantly evolving, Frank enhances his education through courses at the Canadian Securities Institute, the industry's educational facilitator. One testament to his expert standing is his achievement of the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation, the pinnacle credential and highest honour in Canadian financial services, of which he was one of the first recipients.
A vibrant philanthropist and community leader. Frank contributes to a variety of causes – both large and small. To name only a few, he has been involved with the Alzheimer Society of Niagara, the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation, Gillian's Place, and Maycourt Club.
As past president and member of the St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce he has taken the Chamber through its 100th anniversary of helping local businesses succeed. Since 1967 he has been a member of the St. Catharines Club, and is today a member of the Gyro International Club in, a non-profit, social, service and fraternal club.
Frank's character is hard to capture in words, but as his son Trevor writes, "The business gives him a particular vigour and energy every day. His clients and the community at large have bestowed a sterling reputation upon him because of his actions and unfaltering quality of service for over 50 years." But if you asked Frank when he plans to retire, the answer will be, "when I turn 101, or forget where the office is!"
Frank and his wife Beverley celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013, both are devoted to their family, their son Trevor and daughter Claire-Noelle have given them four grandchildren to dote on: Benjamin, Rachel, Noelle and Victoria. In his spare time Frank collects flags, hats and Wedgewood china.
