Brian (Mighty Mouse) Cooper

[Bob Bacon]

It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of Brian, RSM, (mighty mouse) Cooper. Brian passed away in Wrexham on 16th Mar.

He will be sorely missed, all the more because of the man he was. A strong and highly motivated Royal Welchman. He was very much a career soldier who radiated enthusiasm for his work and was inspirational. He loved his job and he was going to do his best to make the most of his chosen career. He was keen and very serious about soldiering, always and always striving to be better.

Everyone who knew Brain and served alongside him will be devastated to learn of his passing. As I remember, he was an outstanding soldier and very talented RSM: skilful, determined, measured and very courageous: he set an excellent example to those around him.

Like me, I am sure there are many out there who have some great memories of serving with and under him.

Our thoughts and prayers of all of us are with his family at this most difficult time.

Details of his funeral will be published when known.

[John Turner]

Very sad news, one of the Regiment's most legendary modern-day soldiers - and on the Regimental anniversary.

[Gerrycc943]

How very sad. I served alongside Brian from 1963 until I left the Bn, on posting, Dec 1977 - I always referred to him as the "Mini Guardsman". Sadly they don't make them like him anymore!!

Deepest condolences to family, friends and fellow comrades from London Branch RWFCA. RIP Mate.

[bennyball2]

RIP RSM, small in stature but a giant of man on the battalion square

[bass732]

RIP Brian, one more Royal welsh legend gone. condolences to the family

[Dai72]

What a man, a great influence on many Royal Welchman's careers, its a pity we did not see more of him at reunions after he left. A sad day in our extended history.

[Pete Dagnall]

Another sad loss to the regiment. Proud to say I served with Brian, Mighty Mouse, and have some good and not so good memories. Rest well service complete.

Thoughts go to his family and friends at this sad time. All members of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association - Wrexham Branch.

[keithwill38]

My thoughts are with his family at this sad time,one of the finest Royal Welchmen,RIP

[Rob12]

Deepest condolences to family, friends and comrades from all committee and branch members of Denbigh and District Branch The Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association. (RWFCA).

[nasher546]

Totally respected by all who served with him, soldiers and officers alike. He was the archetype of a Regimental Sergeant Major.

Got into a spot of bother in Lemgo and I thought I was really for it. However, to my surprise he fully understood my predicament and showed me compassion which was a quality not many saw in him.

I for one was privileged to have served with him. His sense of humour was infectious and they don't make them like that anymore.

My sincere condolences to Brian's Family.

Rest in Peace Sir.

[ap1]

My first encounter with him at 17 was a terrifying experience, but i'm extremely proud to have been a member of HIS battalion, whilst he was in the RSM's chair. Even as a young buck, with little or no interest in anything other than myself, I realised he was a special man, a one-off, and surviving his period of RSM gave us all a certain swagger. Respect with a capital "R" . I agree with Dai, it is such a shame he never later got involved in the reunions, but each to his own.

Never Forgotten.

RIP Sir.

[Dave Wozencroft]

My Deepest Condolences to his Family and friends R.I.P Sir ( A true Legend in his own right )

[Glyn Hughes 17]

My Dear Forum Members & Friends,
<o:p></o:p>
PhonedBarbara last evening and this morning, she is naturally feeling very much alone at this time. I have agreed to meet up on Mon for Funeral format date time etc, provisionally Mon 4th April,undertaker & Crematorium is confirmed for this date, Barbara is keen to have a Church service at “Holy Trinity Church” Gwersyllt LL11 4SB 01978 756391, before moving to the Crematorium.

I will up-date on Mon after my meet with Barbara. Her address & mobile:

2 Willow Lea Close,
Old Mold Road,
Gwersyllt,
Wrexham
LL11 4TH.

07770963316

G-H <o:p></o:p>

[Joe Cartwright]

R.I.P. Brian. I served with him in D Coy in Iserlohn. My condolences to his family.

[dutchman]

i think anyone who ever served with rsm cooper has a story to tell and even now if you meet someone he invariably gets mentioned, i think this speaks volumes about the charisma and also respect and high regard the man was held in by everyone who knew him regardless wether your experience of him was good or bad (if bad you were undoubtedly to fault so why complain) . i for one am proud to have known him and like al said survived his wrath . goodnight sir god bless.

[mick carnell 53]

RIP Brian, one of the best, yet another leaves the fold.

[Jinx 56]

Rest in peace, Brian , served with him for most of my 22, he worked extremely hard to get to the top in our regiment, He deserves to have been our number one , even in the field, he was immaculate, condolences to Barbara and family ......

[BennytheBall]

All the quotes that I have read are so true about RSM Brian Cooper a mentor to the men that served under him and a Royal Welch Fusilier that was second to none

Another icon to add to the RWF list of icon's that have left us.

Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fellow comrade's at this very sad time May You Rest In Peace.

From Bennythe Ball and all branch members of the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA/RWRA

[jones20]

It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of Brian, RSM, (mighty mouse) Cooper. Brian passed away in Wrexham on 16th Mar.

He will be sorely missed, all the more because of the man he was. A strong and highly motivated Royal Welchman. He was very much a career soldier who radiated enthusiasm for his work and was inspirational. He loved his job and he was going to do his best to make the most of his chosen career. He was keen and very serious about soldiering, always and always striving to be better.

Everyone who knew Brain and served alongside him will be devastated to learn of his passing. As I remember, he was an outstanding soldier and very talented RSM: skilful, determined, measured and very courageous: he set an excellent example to those around him.

Like me, I am sure there are many out there who have some great memories of serving with and under him.

Our thoughts and prayers of all of us are with his family at this most difficult time.

Details of his funeral will be published when known.

[jones20]

RIP sir

[Keith Jones 989]

The world is a lesser place this Sunday morning as I read about the passing of a HUGE personality whom I remember as my section commander in Delta's, on exercise in Kenya in late 1968, I having joined the battalion in Heathfield Camp just a couple of weeks before deploying. Rest in Peace, Brian, it was an honour to have known you and we'll meet again one day.

[Geoff Morton]

Sad to hear about Brian. He was a good friend until I left the Bn, Dec 1976. Last time we met was in Lemgo 1979. My condolences to Barbara.<o:p></o:p>

GM<o:p></o:p>

[poperome]

Deepest condolences to the family.good memories serving with Brian plt Sargent of 12 plt He had the best plt doing the box formation in i s drills

[Ianto 10]

Our sincere condolences goes to Barbra and family on the loss of their loved one Brian, RSM Brian Cooper was an inspiration to us all a much respected soldier and a true Royal Welchman he will be greatly missed. RIP and until we meet again. Ianto and Janet.

[Glyn Hughes 17]

<o:p></o:p>Dear Forum Members & Friends,
It is confirmed that the Funeral arrangement for “Dear Brian Cooper” is to be on Monday 4thApril 2016. 1230hrs Service at “Holy Trinity Church” Gwersyllt Nr Wrexham. LL114SB (Sufficient parking space are available at the Church) and onwards to Wrexham Crematorium, Pentrbychan, LL14 4EP. for 1330hrs
G-H

[Bricoates]

Deepest sympathy to all Brian's Family and Friends at your sad loss
Caernarfon Branch RWFCA

[Guvs]

Just to add my condolences to this thread, what an RSM and what a nice man even after he had given you a bollocking (I had a few of them in them days) you still liked him, as the next time you met him he was like a father figure and would help you anyway he could.<o:p></o:p>
God bless him, he will never be forgotten by those that had the pleasure of knowing him.<o:p></o:p>

[Glyn Hughes 17]

My Dear Forum Members & Friends,<o:p></o:p>
Could I please respectfully suggest that Comrades & Friends attending “Dear Brian Cooper” Funeral, on Mon 4th April 2016. Please Muster at “Holy Trinity Church Gwersyllt” no later than 1215hrs. If unable to attend Church Service, please muster at “Crematorium, Pentrbychan” no later please than 1315hrs.

Standard Dress for Comrades if appropriate: Head dress & Hackle,Regimental Tie & medals if you wish.<o:p></o:p>

[Rob12]

Respectful a 1215 parade may be, for those picking up and those travelling from the south, a little tight. Suggest that those with standards parade at 1215 and all others make their way by 1230 hours to the church. Any views?

[Pete Dagnall]

Update on Brian's Funeral arrangements. I have just been talking to Glynn Hughes. He has asked if possible could Branches try and have their Branch Standards on parade at the church.

[sixties]

R.I.P. My friend.

[Pete Dagnall]

For those coming up for the funeral please note: it is in the Holy Trinity Church, Gwersyllt and not the Parish Chuch Wrexham. It is about 15-20 mins outside town on the Mold Road, that is the one going past the football ground.

Google Maps Link:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Holy+Trinity+Church/@53.0746858,-3.0221902,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x320731e39f8438ad

[Gerrycc943]

I have had a message from Colin Evans 70 informing me that he is out of the Country at the moment and will be unable to attend Brian's Funeral.

He has also requested that his condolences are conveyed to Barbara and family.