 After graduating from McGill University with a degree in commerce, he worked for his family's business, A.S. Cooper & Sons Ltd., a department store in Front Street, Bermuda, where he later became chairman of the board of directors.Cooper joined the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1921, becoming an officer in 1928, and served during the Second World War at Prospect Camp on the island.In 1944 he became chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Trade Development Board.