Brian Cooper – In Loving Memory
Uniting for Peace Vice President Rev. Brian Cooper passed away peacefully on Thursday 27 March. He was unwell and was at care home for some time.
Rev. Brian Cooper was a friend, a colleague who tirelessly worked for building a peaceful world. Brian was a dedicated peace activist. He was the Co-Ordinator, Interfaith and Churches Secretary of the past World Disarmament Campaign and later for Uniting for Peace. For both the organisations, he was instrumental in organising and addressing events and conferences including Churches events in Scotland and mainland UK.
As a co-editor for Uniting for Peace (UfP) newsletter, he used to oversee the contents, layout, production of the Uniting for Peace newsletter. He also managed Uniting for Peace offices in Scotland, keeping in regular contact with UfP supporters and church going communities attending and speaking at religious event.
When my books were published, The Economics of Killing in 2012 and Peace Beyond Borders in 2016, Brian along with Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre organised well attended book launches, afterwards, myself, Shanti and Brian we all went for dinner where he enjoyed his favourite drink, Martini. It was always a pleasure to meet him and work with him. When in Edinburgh, he would invite Shanti (my wife) and myself to visit his favourite restaurant.
He was an avid reader of books and always had book reviews which regularly appeared in Uniting for Peace newsletter and The Gandhi Way. He was a good communicator. He never let his disability be an hindrance to his ongoing peace work.
Every two weeks, or whenever necessary, he would ring me and we had a good talk. There was a pattern to these telephone calls, they will always start with discussion of ongoing Uniting for Peace matters, promotion of upcoming conferences, speakers, UfP finances and newsletter. Once that was over, he would flag up the latest world event and give his perspective on it. Once that was over, he would start a light hearted banter in which we will both laugh loudly. That also gave me an indication that our conversation was about to end. My dear friend, I will miss your calls and those precious moments.
During our conference tours we used to do together, I remember both of us attending meetings in Geneva on disarmament organised by International Peace Bureau.
A remarkable journey and life promoting peace where ever he went. My dear friend, Brian, we will miss you. Rest in peace.
Vijay Mehta
Chair, Uniting for Peace
vijay@vmpeace.org