Michael John Cooper Born 5th March 1945 Schools Mike was born in Monks Lane Newbury, to Cathleen and Bertram Cooper, and had a sister Marlene who was 5 years older than him. He attended St Johns infant school, St Nicholas junior school and St Bartholomew's Grammar School. Marriage Mike was married to Elsie Ray on the 8th July 1967 at St Mary's Church Shaw Cum Donnington, Newbury, Berks. Children Mike had 3 children, John, Zoe and Ben, and lovely granddaughter Ellie. Work When he left school he took an apprenticeship with the company Opperman Gears, and went to South Berks College where he sat his exam's and qualified as a Mechanical Engineer and Technician. He went on to work as a service engineer for Limitorque Engineering and a Development engineer for Opperman Gears. He spent a short time working for C&N Electric, PC Cox as a Special Projects Engineer, and Master Gears. He eventually started working as a Hydraulics Engineer, for the company Benmar. He spent a lot of time working abroad, he travelled around the world, working on board oil tankers, or in dry dock. His favourite ship he worked on was the Texico Spain. The countries he visited include America, Arab Emirates, Australia, Barbados, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and Spain His favourite country he worked in was Singapore. In his later years he was self employed, and worked sub contract to Norma Products, where he worked until he retired. Hobbies Mike had many hobbies, when he was a young man his hobbies were fishing, playing the guitar, motor bikes, and roller skating. He became a member of the Sealed Knot in 1969, and built his own cannon, which he took around the country, where he took part in re-enacting battles of the English civil war. He took up horse riding, fencing and also made a lot of his outfits and accessories needed for these events. He collected model soldiers and was co founder of the local wargaming society. He had a great interest in CB Radio's and sign writing. When the children were younger he decide to start Roller Skating again, with me and the children. We joined the West Berks Roller Skating Club, who ran a general skating club. We then went on to join the Thames Down Skating Club in Swindon, where they took part in competitive artistic roller skating. When Mike could see what could be possible for the West Berks Roller Skating Club, he with the help of another member, ran the competitive artistic skating along side of the general skating. The club went on to be the top club in the country. Mikes favourite hobby was Karaoke. He hired a Karaoke one night so he and my daughter could raise some money for some local disabled children. He enjoyed it so much that he bought his own karaoke set. He spent many years running Karaoke's locally, and he and my daughter Zoe did many charity events during this time. They have raised money for Child Line, ovarian cancer, Macmillan Cancer Care, Over Eighties Parcel Fund, The Air Ambulance, Sensory equipment for disabled children, Marie Curie, Children in Need, Research into child deformity and Newbury Cancer care. They supported Vodafone for many years with their chosen charity of the year. They have helped to raise at least £25000. Mike and Zoe provided Disco's and Karaoke for children of The Castle school, at Christmas for many years. The children at this school have moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties, and they loved giving them a chance to enjoy their selves. They also provided the music for their Proms. Mike was diagnosed with Cancer of the Oesophagus in August 2012. He had a course of radiotherapy following this diagnosis, but they were unable to do anything else to help him. During this time he kept himself very positive and spent his time being helpful, generous and kind to everyone around him. He sadly passed away 16th February 2014. He is dearly missed by his family and friends. Elsie