Alan G. Cooper

Alan G. Cooper NORFOLK - Alan Geoffrey Cooper, also known as "The White Haired Brit," and to many rugby players and referees throughout Virginia and beyond as "Coach Coop," passed away Feb. 17, 2009, at the age of 84. He served as an officer in the Royal Navy for 34 years. In November of 1972 he was appointed to SACLANT in Norfolk. He retired from the service in August 1975 and became a United States citizen. When asked why he chose to stay, he would reply, "God told me to." Together with such luminaries as the Rev. Dick Woodard, the Rev. Dick Ruggles, Rabbi Lawrence Foreman and George Pilcher he spoke to congregations of every denomination throughout Tidewater and beyond about spiritual experiences. He formed his own independent general insurance agency specializing in shipbuilding, construction and livestock farming, in all of which he had previous experience. He was a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the Military Order of World Wars and an honorary member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Atlantic. He leaves behind a son, Simon, who after 28 years as a Royal Navy officer, is now a district judge who, with his wife Pippa, lives in Wiltshire, England. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday in Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church by the Rev. Berkley Ford. Alan's ashes will be scattered upon the Elizabeth River, a place of which he was inordinately fond. Should folks be so inclined, they may make memorial contributions for the homeless of Tidewater to Union Mission Ministries, P.O. Box 3203, Norfolk, VA 23514. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.