Wednesday, 21 February 2024

Kevin Cooper

Lauren KATHAGE (Yan Yean) (09:48): I rise not in sorrow but in celebration of a life well lived. I rise to pay tribute to Kevin Cooper, who passed away on 13 January at close to 92 years of age. He had a poor but happy upbringing in Western Australia as the third eldest of 10 children. His experience of hardship fuelled a passion for social justice that followed and burnt brightly throughout his life.

Kevin was a proud union man who represented the Printing and Kindred Industries Union members at the Age’s monthly board of management and union meetings. He worked at the Age from 1969 to 1994, the last of the machine compositors. Kevin was known as someone who was always willing to stand up and defend others. He was in his early 30s when conscription for the Vietnam War began. He felt it was wrong and was not afraid to stand up for his belief. It was with some bemusement then as a resident of Dianella Village Aged Care Hostel that he told us he was enjoying his weekly outings with the Kilmore Wallan RSL Sub-branch. Something that Kevin often spoke about passionately was his abhorrence at the ability for a prime minister to lead the country to war without a vote in Parliament. Kevin loved peace and he loved the RSL. His weekly visits with the local RSL came to mean a great deal to him, and they kindly hosted his memorial celebration. I am sure the angels in heaven are singing Solidarity Forever with him now.