Grief and humor often show up at the same time when you’re dealing with loss.In this episode of Dead Dads, Scott and Roger talk with Bill Cooper about grief, father loss, and what it’s like to watch a parent change over time before they pass.Bill shares stories about his dad Frank Cooper, a British-born doctor who moved his family to Canada in search of adventure. Frank loved camping, classical music played way too loud, and spontaneous mischief that turned into legendary family stories.The conversation explores how dementia affects families, the complicated emotions around caregiving, and the strange reality that grief doesn’t always look the way movies suggest it should.Bill also talks about what it’s like to say goodbye without a final moment of clarity, how family traditions help keep a parent’s memory alive, and why grief can show up in quiet ways rather than dramatic ones.Dead Dads is a podcast about losing your dad, coping with grief, father loss, and how men talk about the death of a parent. Honest conversations, real stories, and sometimes laughter in the middle of it all.If you’ve experienced losing your dad, dementia in the family, or the death of a father, this conversation will feel familiar.👤 Connect With Us On Other Platforms:Dead Dads HQ: https://www.deaddadspodcast.com/Grief Resources: https://www.deaddadspodcast.com/grief-resources-for-men/ Leave Us a Review: https://www.deaddadspodcast.com/reviews/new/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deaddadspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ddadspodSubstack: https://substack.com/@deaddadspodcastTo be or recommend a guest for the show: https://www.deaddadspodcast.com/guests/intake/Timestamps:0:00 – Why talking about our dads keeps their memory alive0:19 – The Dead Dads podcast introduction0:35 – Disclaimer: we are definitely not therapists or doctors0:54 – Meet today’s guest: Bill Cooper1:17 – Hockey dads and how Scott and Bill know each other1:38 – Why Bill agreed to talk about his dad2:30 – Music Bill listens to after a tough day3:04 – Sudoku, books, and the power of a good nap3:33 – The niche topic Bill could talk about forever4:06 – Bill’s “unqualified but willing” handyman philosophy4:47 – Fixing things around the house… sort of5:27 – Introducing Bill’s dad: Frank Cooper6:07 – Moving from England to Canada6:29 – Frank’s adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors7:16 – Camping trips and family adventures8:10 – Childhood pranks and mischievous stories9:39 – Frank’s love of classical music (played very loud)10:11 – The conductor wand Christmas gift10:30 – Frank’s diagnosis with Lewy body dementia11:05 – Paranoia and the difficult reality of dementia11:51 – Realizing the illness had been present for years12:28 – The final medical episode that led to his passing13:13 – Sitting beside his hospital bed13:37 – Hoping for one last moment of lucidity14:07 – When the goodbye didn’t happen the Hollywood way14:50 – Celebrating his birthday in palliative care15:23 – The first days after he passed16:11 – When siblings take on different responsibilities16:43 – Staying busy with work during grief17:26 – Getting the call while at an important meeting18:01 – Planning a family ceremony18:30 – How small tasks help during grief18:35 – How the grandkids processed the loss19:31 – Helping kids remember their grandfather20:00 – Family meals and traditions that keep memories alive20:59 – The famous camping story22:14 – The traits Bill inherited from his dad23:05 – When you start laughing like your father24:19 – Why Bill never talked much about his grief25:05 – Feeling guilty for not grieving “the right way”26:07 – Why grief doesn’t follow a rulebook27:04 – Living in a way that would make your dad proud28:02 – Watching the next generation remember Frank28:24 – How losing a parent changes your perspective29:13 – Advice for someone who just lost their dad29:57 – A nephew visiting Frank’s grave with a bottle of scotch30:05 – What Bill misses most about his dad31:10 – Final reflections on remembering our parents32:01 – How you can support the Dead Dads podcast