John died on Sunday 24th March, in James Cook Hospital.
John had a lengthy and outstanding career in the Reserve Army as a member of the Royal Logistic Corps. John climbed the ranks from Private soldier to the rank of Major. His time in the Reserve Army included an active service tour of Iraq.
At the end of his Reserve career John felt he still had something to offer in a uniformed capacity. In January 2011 John took over from me as OC of A Company, when I took up the post of Deputy Commandant North. This resulted in us working closely together for the next 6 years, becoming good friends along the way. As a very experienced Reserve Senior Officer, John was still humble enough to say he knew nothing about running an ACF Company and wanted to pick my brains to get himself up to speed as soon as possible. Within a short period of time John was up and running at full speed, bringing his own unique style of command to A Company.
John was an honest, straight talking Yorkshireman, with no ego. Nothing was too much trouble, he was always willing to help out and graft. John didn't see problems, only solutions to problems. That was the 'Loggy' in him! During his time as OC A his work ethic was immense. Giving many hours of his time to the good and benefit of the Cadets and CFAV's of his Company. John was out on the ground two days a week, travelling the length and breadth of North Yorkshire visiting his Company Detachments. John was a very visible, hands on Officer Commanding. John was never happier than when he was mixing with his Cadets and CFAV's.
He worked tirelessly to ensure his Cadets received the best Cadet Experience he could provide. John was good Company, he had dozens of amusing tales to tell from his time in the Reserves, even though he told them more than once!
He would recall all the fascinating places he had visited on cruises he took with his dear wife Angela. You could never get bored in John's Company. John always had a smile on his face, whether he was working with his Cadets, or socialising in the Mess with his fellow CFAV's.
He was very military orientated and loved the ethos and values of the British Army. John carried these standards and values into his ACF service and led by example.
John loved his time as OC A and the people he worked with in the Company. So much so, that when John came to the end of his tenure as OC A and impending retirement from uniformed ACF service, he decided to stay on as an NUV. As John was a humble person with no ego, he got just as much enjoyment helping out as an NUV as did as OC. He just enjoyed being around the CFAV's and Cadets of A Company.
John finished his time as an NUV and member of YNW ACF shortly before he passed away. I am sure John and all who knew John, were glad that he managed one final Company training weekend with his beloved 'A' Company. Major John Cooper will be sadly missed by all who served with him, in the Reserve Army and YNW ACF. He will be especially missed by those who were privileged to call him their friend.
All in Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force, send their sincere and heartfelt condolences to John's dear wife Angela and the rest of John's family. Below are a few images of John taken during his time as OC A, mixing with his Cadets and CFAV's. There is one common theme in all of them ... that famous John Cooper mile-wide smile!
Major M Bell GCGI Yorkshire (N&W) ACF (images curtesy of A Company & County archive material)
