Information

Geoffrey Cooper

  • 26.07.1942 - 11.02.2018

Beloved husband & father

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen My name is Susan Wood and I am your Celebrant today   On behalf of the family I would like to welcome you all to this Celebration of Life for Geoffrey Cooper, also affectionately known as Geoff   We are here today in order to pay our last respects and bid a sad but fond farewell to Geoff, we are here also to offer our support to his family at this sad and difficult time   Today is a sad day and rightly so, it is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love, but it is also a day to celebrate, honour and pay tribute to Geoff, who during his life, was kind loving person, devoted to her family.   We will begin todays ceremony with the 23rd psalm   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.   2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.   3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.   6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.   Geoffrey was born in Farnworth, on the 26th of July 1942 the youngest son of parents Gladys and James, he has an older brother Alan. Growing up Geof loved to go and watch his uncle and his cousin who raced stock cars and followed them all over.  Geof was always very proud of the fact that he attended Radcliffe Tech when he was 13.   He began his working life as an engineer, but this was very short lived.   He then went on to join his dad business as a joiner and builder where he remained all his working life taking over the family business in later years. The premises were on Stopes road just opposite the family home. It was on a night out at The Seven Stars in Heywood, where live music was played that Geoff met the love of his life Vivien. Vivien told me that Geoff was a very good dancer, although he was very much into his rock n roll, one of his favourites being Rock around the clock by Billy Haley and the Comets he could also do a pretty good waltz. He was something of a snappy dresser too, he was wearing a nice grey suit the night they met During their courting days they enjoyed nights out at The Seven Stars where they met and drives out to the seaside, Blackpool or Southport where they would treat themselves to fish and chips Geoff would sing If I were a carpenter and you were a lady, to Vivien   After they had been courting for 13 months they became engaged, 13 months later they were married on the 22nd of August 1970 at St Pauls Church in Bury. There was a reception to follow at the Transparent Papermill’s Social Club   They began their married life living in Tottington, 13 is quite a significant number for Geoffrey and Vivien and certainly not in a bad way as 13 months after they were married Vivien gave birth to a daughter Nicola, the first of two children, their son Philip completed their little family.   There are fond memories of holidays growing up initially in tents then progressing to a touring caravan to such places as Scarborough, Morecambe, Rhyl and Newquay. While the kids were off surfing in Newquay Geoff would just about dip his toes in the sea, he was not keen on water, certainly he would never swim, in fact not a big fan of the sun he even sunbathed with his shirt on under the shade of a big umbrella. Geoff had a very sweet tooth, so a knickerbocker glory was always a necessary treat at the seaside.   The first family holiday abroad was to Blanes in Northern Spain, by coach staying in a tent. It happened to be at a time when there was a massive firework competition on the beach, it was amazing, so much so that they went back again the following year to watch them again. Leaving the family with fantastic memories to look back on.   Geoff and Vivien had good friends in George and Sue, they would spend time together playing cards while their families were growing up.   Geoff and George enjoyed a game of darts, pool and snooker at the local pubs, the Dungeon, The Hark to Towler and also the Con Club.   As a Dad Geoff could be quite strict, but he was always on hand to run his children about, dads taxi was always on standby.   Geoff and Vivien celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary with a Mediterranean Cruise, this gave them the bug and turned out to be the first of many cruises both Mediterranean and Caribbean as well the Fjords in Norway. Over the years they have probably enjoyed 25 cruises, they really did get the bug Some, where just for holidays other to celebrate various significant events such as their 30th Wedding Anniversary and Geoff’s 65th birthday, both occasions made extra special dinning at the captain’s table.   Geoff was a very sociable man, he liked a shandy and his cigarettes and Vivien told me he could talk the hind leg off a donkey. He was quite charming too where the ladies were concerned and certainly Nicolas friends were very fond of him.   No wonder then that it could take him up to 4 hours to mow the garden, with the house being on the corner no one could pass by without having a chat.   Geoff was very fond of Julia’s grandchildren, he thought the world of them, they knew about Geoff’s sweet tooth and always tried to pinch his jelly babies if they got the chance.   In 2007 Geoff was diagnosed with COPD, of course this slowed him down over the years, especially the last 2 years when he didn’t really go out much. Geoff had great support from the staff and doctors at Tottington Health Centre for which his family are very grateful and Vivien supported him at home.   On the 6th of February Geoff took a turn for the worse and on the advice of the doctor was taken to Fairfield Hospital by ambulance.   Geoff remained in hospital, Vivien, Philip, Nicola and her partner David spent most of the day there with Geoff on Saturday. Philip having come up to Bury from London for his 45th birthday to cook Geoff a Sunday Roast which was his favourite meal Geoff unexpectedly passed away Sunday morning having taken a turn for the worse. While this is of course this was a shock and enormously sad for Geoff’s family who will miss him tremendously, it is also comforting knowing that when the end came it was quick and very importantly Geoff died with dignity.   I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.                                 I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.                           I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,                         Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.                    I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun                       of happy memories that I leave when life is done.   We have now come to the time where we must say a fond but final farewell to Geoff Could I ask you all to please stand   Committal Now is but a moment in time, I dedicate the next few moments to every precious memory associated with Geoff   You have been supportive and kind to us all these years and we thank you for all the love and encouragement you have shown. You are now on your next journey and we will never stop thinking about you.   We rejoice that you lived. Treasure that we shared in your life. We cherish our memories of Geoffrey. With love we leave Geoffrey in peace. With respect we bid Geoffrey farewell.   Geoff, you have engraved your love upon our hearts Go your way in peace, take our love with you   May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.   Join me now if you would in saying the Lord’s Prayer   Our Father, who art in heaven,                                     hallowed be thy Name,                                               thy kingdom come,                                                  thy will be done,                                                      on earth as it is in heaven.                                       Give us this day our daily bread.                                        And forgive us our trespasses,                                as we forgive those who trespass against us.                                         And lead us not into temptation,                                          but deliver us from evil                                                                      for thine is the kingdom                                                the power and the glory                                                   for ever and ever Amen   P lease be seated.   If anyone would like to make a donation in memory of Geoff, the family are supporting Age UK   You are invited to join the family at the house when you leave here today where you can continue to share your memories of Geoff   As we come to the end of this celebration of life for Geoffrey, I would like to leave you with this thought   That the dead do not reside in a grave or an urn but in the hearts and minds of those who love them, and, in this way, I know that Geoffrey will live on for a long time to come.   I wish you all well.   Curtains to remain open

Beloved husband & father

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen My name is Susan Wood and I am your Celebrant today   On behalf of the family I would like to welcome you all to this Celebration of Life for Geoffrey Cooper, also affectionately known as Geoff   We are here today in order to pay our last respects and bid a sad but fond farewell to Geoff, we are here also to offer our support to his family at this sad and difficult time   Today is a sad day and rightly so, it is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love, but it is also a day to celebrate, honour and pay tribute to Geoff, who during his life, was kind loving person, devoted to her family.   We will begin todays ceremony with the 23rd psalm   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.   2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.   3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.   6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.   Geoffrey was born in Farnworth, on the 26th of July 1942 the youngest son of parents Gladys and James, he has an older brother Alan. Growing up Geof loved to go and watch his uncle and his cousin who raced stock cars and followed them all over.  Geof was always very proud of the fact that he attended Radcliffe Tech when he was 13.   He began his working life as an engineer, but this was very short lived.   He then went on to join his dad business as a joiner and builder where he remained all his working life taking over the family business in later years. The premises were on Stopes road just opposite the family home. It was on a night out at The Seven Stars in Heywood, where live music was played that Geoff met the love of his life Vivien. Vivien told me that Geoff was a very good dancer, although he was very much into his rock n roll, one of his favourites being Rock around the clock by Billy Haley and the Comets he could also do a pretty good waltz. He was something of a snappy dresser too, he was wearing a nice grey suit the night they met During their courting days they enjoyed nights out at The Seven Stars where they met and drives out to the seaside, Blackpool or Southport where they would treat themselves to fish and chips Geoff would sing If I were a carpenter and you were a lady, to Vivien   After they had been courting for 13 months they became engaged, 13 months later they were married on the 22nd of August 1970 at St Pauls Church in Bury. There was a reception to follow at the Transparent Papermill’s Social Club   They began their married life living in Tottington, 13 is quite a significant number for Geoffrey and Vivien and certainly not in a bad way as 13 months after they were married Vivien gave birth to a daughter Nicola, the first of two children, their son Philip completed their little family.   There are fond memories of holidays growing up initially in tents then progressing to a touring caravan to such places as Scarborough, Morecambe, Rhyl and Newquay. While the kids were off surfing in Newquay Geoff would just about dip his toes in the sea, he was not keen on water, certainly he would never swim, in fact not a big fan of the sun he even sunbathed with his shirt on under the shade of a big umbrella. Geoff had a very sweet tooth, so a knickerbocker glory was always a necessary treat at the seaside.   The first family holiday abroad was to Blanes in Northern Spain, by coach staying in a tent. It happened to be at a time when there was a massive firework competition on the beach, it was amazing, so much so that they went back again the following year to watch them again. Leaving the family with fantastic memories to look back on.   Geoff and Vivien had good friends in George and Sue, they would spend time together playing cards while their families were growing up.   Geoff and George enjoyed a game of darts, pool and snooker at the local pubs, the Dungeon, The Hark to Towler and also the Con Club.   As a Dad Geoff could be quite strict, but he was always on hand to run his children about, dads taxi was always on standby.   Geoff and Vivien celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary with a Mediterranean Cruise, this gave them the bug and turned out to be the first of many cruises both Mediterranean and Caribbean as well the Fjords in Norway. Over the years they have probably enjoyed 25 cruises, they really did get the bug Some, where just for holidays other to celebrate various significant events such as their 30th Wedding Anniversary and Geoff’s 65th birthday, both occasions made extra special dinning at the captain’s table.   Geoff was a very sociable man, he liked a shandy and his cigarettes and Vivien told me he could talk the hind leg off a donkey. He was quite charming too where the ladies were concerned and certainly Nicolas friends were very fond of him.   No wonder then that it could take him up to 4 hours to mow the garden, with the house being on the corner no one could pass by without having a chat.   Geoff was very fond of Julia’s grandchildren, he thought the world of them, they knew about Geoff’s sweet tooth and always tried to pinch his jelly babies if they got the chance.   In 2007 Geoff was diagnosed with COPD, of course this slowed him down over the years, especially the last 2 years when he didn’t really go out much. Geoff had great support from the staff and doctors at Tottington Health Centre for which his family are very grateful and Vivien supported him at home.   On the 6th of February Geoff took a turn for the worse and on the advice of the doctor was taken to Fairfield Hospital by ambulance.   Geoff remained in hospital, Vivien, Philip, Nicola and her partner David spent most of the day there with Geoff on Saturday. Philip having come up to Bury from London for his 45th birthday to cook Geoff a Sunday Roast which was his favourite meal Geoff unexpectedly passed away Sunday morning having taken a turn for the worse. While this is of course this was a shock and enormously sad for Geoff’s family who will miss him tremendously, it is also comforting knowing that when the end came it was quick and very importantly Geoff died with dignity.   I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.                                 I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.                           I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,                         Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.                    I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun                       of happy memories that I leave when life is done.   We have now come to the time where we must say a fond but final farewell to Geoff Could I ask you all to please stand   Committal Now is but a moment in time, I dedicate the next few moments to every precious memory associated with Geoff   You have been supportive and kind to us all these years and we thank you for all the love and encouragement you have shown. You are now on your next journey and we will never stop thinking about you.   We rejoice that you lived. Treasure that we shared in your life. We cherish our memories of Geoffrey. With love we leave Geoffrey in peace. With respect we bid Geoffrey farewell.   Geoff, you have engraved your love upon our hearts Go your way in peace, take our love with you   May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.   Join me now if you would in saying the Lord’s Prayer   Our Father, who art in heaven,                                     hallowed be thy Name,                                               thy kingdom come,                                                  thy will be done,                                                      on earth as it is in heaven.                                       Give us this day our daily bread.                                        And forgive us our trespasses,                                as we forgive those who trespass against us.                                         And lead us not into temptation,                                          but deliver us from evil                                                                      for thine is the kingdom                                                the power and the glory                                                   for ever and ever Amen   P lease be seated.   If anyone would like to make a donation in memory of Geoff, the family are supporting Age UK   You are invited to join the family at the house when you leave here today where you can continue to share your memories of Geoff   As we come to the end of this celebration of life for Geoffrey, I would like to leave you with this thought   That the dead do not reside in a grave or an urn but in the hearts and minds of those who love them, and, in this way, I know that Geoffrey will live on for a long time to come.   I wish you all well.   Curtains to remain open
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