The former owner of CFAX radio, who founded and led the Santas Anonymous campaign for decades, was 92 when he died on Thursday
by Carla Wilson, Darron Kloster
February 21, 2025
Tireless community volunteer, philanthropist, businessman and B.C. promoter Mel Cooper has died.
The former owner of CFAX radio, who founded and led the Santas Anonymous fundraising campaign for decades, was 92 when he died on Thursday. The red-haired Newfoundland native moved to B.C. in his teens. He was known for his drive, optimism and ever-present smile, and received the Order of Canada in 1989 in recognition of his community-building efforts.
Longtime friend Bruce Williams, chief executive of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said Cooper had a deep personal commitment to the community, devoting his money, time and radio-station resources to causes such as Santas Anonymous.
Williams, who worked in broadcasting alongside Cooper, also co-chaired with him the fundraising campaign for Jeneece Place, which provides a place to stay for the families of children needing medical care at Victoria General Hospital.
“He really was an Energizer bunny,” Williams said. “He was very proud of what he had accomplished and rightfully so.”
Mel and wife Carmella were never apart, Williams said. “It was pretty rare to find two people who cared for each other as deeply as they did.”
Longtime friend Keith Dagg called Cooper “a pillar of the community … a guy who really got things done.”
Cooper, who was running radio station CKNW in Vancouver, arrived in Victoria in 1973, buying out Claire Copeland’s share in CFAX and partnering with Dagg.
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The late Mel Cooper, a man with strong ties to his community and the owner of a radio station that also had strong ties to its community. In this era of corporate, group ownership, we are not likely to see this again.
One of the best reasons for LOCAL ownership of broadcast outlets. Mel was a great guy, community booster, responsible broadcaster and friend to many in and outside the broadcast industry. He will be missed greatly.
RIP Mel.
The 5.1 earthquake was Mel saying good-bye.