Richard Allan Cooper

November  26th, 1977 December  29th, 2024
Richard Allan Cooper

Grief never ends… but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… it is the price of love.

Obituary

Richard Allan Cooper, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 29, 2024, at the age of 47. Richard lived a life filled with love, kindness, and was a rock for those around him.

Richard grew up in Bristol with his mother Lesley, and his younger siblings - Debbie, Heather, John and Emily. Richard was uncle to Jacob, Sam, Olivia, Ryan, Owen, Chloe, Matthew and Lilith. He was much loved and respected by every member of his family and loved his family dearly. Richard was always there to offer love, help and bad "dad" jokes and is missed desperately.

Richard's academic journey took him to Edinburgh where he studied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence which led him to roles in the field, taking him first to the states for a job with Computer Associates and then back to the UK, and Bristol for his role with Vistair.

Richard was married to Ruth, with whom he shared a life and partnership. Through his marriage to Ruth, his family extended further to David, Janet, Naomi and as an Uncle to Yuvi. Together, Ruth & Richard built a home and raised Ivy, a true "daddy's girl". As a father, Richard was present for every moment big or small, and his gentle guidance and support will be missed.

We will all miss him beyond words. In this time of sorrow, may we find comfort in the beautiful memories and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

Updates

We will add more to this page in the coming days, but for now we ask that you share your memories of Richard on the Memory wall below and/or add a photo to the gallery, thank you.

31st January: A donations section has been added to the page below & information on the funeral service.  

Gallery


Memory wall

Please share your memories and photos of Richard
.


February 2, 2025
Ruth & Richard's wedding is one of the most fun weddings I have been to and is such a fond memory. It was the first event that David came to with me and he was made so welcome.
Richard was always so accommodating when we invaded the house on our trips to Bristol. He was so laid back and made us all feel at ease, even when our behaviour was questionable!
It was clear that he adored Ruth and Ivy and made them both happy.
Laura Monaghan
January 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to work with Rich aka 'Hangin' with Mr Cooper' for 7 years while I was at Vistair.
I remember when I first saw him - huge in stature, with a face that said 'leave me alone', and I wasn't sure what to make of him. But the more we spoke, I got to realise what a top guy he really was and he quickly transitioned into someone I was proud to call a friend.

Rich was the definition of a gentle giant, someone who never took himself too seriously and always looked out for others. Rich had such a great sense of humour, his dry wit could lighten any conversation and he knew just when to use it.
I used to love playing squash again him - he was one of the reasons I started playing in the first place, but it was never really fair competition because he would wipe the floor with me every single time, he was amazing and I didn’t win a game!

My sincerest condolences to Ruth and Ivy. Rich was honestly a great man, who loved his family more than anything else.

Rest easy Mr Cooper

Aron Williams
January 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to have Rick as my big brother.

When we were kids, we’d spend the evenings playing Crash Bandicoot, Tekken, Fifa and Mario Kart. He always won and never bragged – I’m not sure how he had the patience to keep on playing!

He always looked out for his little sisters and, even as a university student, he was happy to have me, his 12 year old little sister come to stay with him for a week and completely spoilt me. I also stayed with him in New York on two occasions and he drove us to Niagara Falls, theme parks, ice hockey matches and again, completely looked after us! These car journeys founded my love of one of his favourite bands, Green day.

As an uncle to my kids, he was always the fun one. For example, giving Chloe chocolate as a toddler and then later playing with her and holding her upside - she vomited (I had to clean that though, thanks Rick!).

We enjoyed many theme park days and board game nights together. Sam is adamant that they are the FIFA champion, although I’m not sure that Rick would have agreed!

The thing that sticks in my mind the most is a conversation that we had many years ago, where he didn’t think that he’d ever have a family of his own. Then I had the joy of watching him form the most beautiful little family. He adored his wife Ruth and was the proudest dad to his daughter, Ivy.

He was a true male role model in every sense of the word and is always going to hold a very special place in mine and my children’s hearts.
Emily Edwards
January 24, 2025
Richard was a key member of Vistair from its early days. I remember interviewing him and being impressed with his knowledge, calm authoritative persona, and dry wit. Over many years he was instrumental in mentoring other developers and developing a number of applications for Vistair, before latterly moving into other roles at which he also excelled. He was dependable and kind, witty and bright, and will be sorely missed.
David Hedley
January 23, 2025
Richard,
You were a great colleague, we only worked together for 1 year but I learnt a great deal from you. From big projects to little questions, you helped me settle in to this job and grow in a short amount of time.

Your knowledge, ability to mentor and help those around you will be sorely missed.
You've left a legacy and impact on the people and the company, that won't be soon forgotten.

I hope and pray for as much peace and comfort as is possible for your family.

Rest in peace mate, God bless.
Kieran McJannett
January 23, 2025
We played korfball with Rich back in Bristol. He was a great guy to have on your team - not just on the pitch, where his skills transcended even the obvious benefits of his height, but in the pub afterwards where he was always great company and quick with a joke. We were devastated to hear this terrible news, our thoughts are with his family at this awful time.
Ian and Claire Dellbridge
January 23, 2025
I met big rich through Phil when we all lived in Slough and although we never frequently met up for drinks, when we did there was never a stale or awkward conversation. He's a good laugh, has good sense of humour and you can always sense that he was generally an all round top bloke. Rest in Peace buddy.
Chi
January 22, 2025
We knew him through korfball, when we all played for Bristol City, and we knew him as Rich. It was always fun seeing opponents meet him for the first time. Lining up, they’d wonder how on earth they’d ever catch a ball that afternoon with Rich there to intercept it, and sure enough he’d pluck passes from mid-air above them. Their dismay would deepen as they learned he was also quite spritely on his feet and had a mean long shot. Playing against Rich wasn’t really going to be your day. He was a gentle giant though, always pleasant about it, with never a hint of aggression or frustration, just calm and enjoying the game. Off the pitch, the same calm kindness remained, not brash nor loud but good company over a pint. A genuine lovely guy, proper gentleman, taken too soon.
Arthur and Sarah Richards
January 22, 2025
I worked with Richard for nearly five years at Vistair, and the gap he has left behind at the company is very large indeed, in every sense of the word! I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and will miss the interactions we had. He was always willing to help wherever possible, and was an extremely knowledgeable man in everything he worked on. He will be sorely missed, and I wish all his family and friends the very best at this difficult time.
Carl Stevens
January 21, 2025
Richard was my brother in law and uncle to my son, Yuvi. At family get togethers Yuvis’ first question would always be, “is Richard going to be there?” He was always the one who had the patience to sit with Yuvi playing Lego, games and doing puzzles. He always had a strong sense of responsibility and was reliable and dependable. We still can’t believe he is gone and we will miss him greatly.
Naomi Seetanna
January 18, 2025
I've known Ricky for a long time as I am very close to his Aunt Gilly and friends with other family members. Gilly and myself have visited Ricky a few times in New York
He showed us around Central Park. The photo was taken in central park poets avenue. The statue is of Rabbie Burns. He was a joy to be around. Taken too soon xx
June Torrance
January 18, 2025
Ruth and Richard’s wedding was the first of a series of such joyous and eventful weddings within our friendship group. They both set the standard of a welcoming ceremony environment full of love and acceptance - a key trait of both of their personalities. My first memory of Richard was when Ruth introduced us girls to him and I remember clearly how wonderful it was to witness how Richard looked at Ruth - full of amazement and wonder that he was marrying such a beautiful woman. He was astonishing patient at all times when we came to visit and when we took over the flat and later the house. He was also very patient when forced to dance!
Debbie
January 17, 2025
We all knew that Richard must be a great guy before we even met him because he had chosen our amazing friend, Ruth, as his partner. Meeting Richard only confirmed this. We always had so much fun at the maths girls weddings (Ruth and Richard’s being the first) and Richard was always so welcoming when the Maths Girl’s weekends were hosted at Ruth and Richard’s flat/ house. One of life’s wonderful people.
Sarah Allen
January 17, 2025
I met Rich at a job interview for Computer Associates in 2000. We quickly made friends, we both got the job and a long lasting friendship was born when we both moved to Slough that Summer.

We enjoyed many adventures together over the years, including 3 months in New York, a month in New Zealand, trips to the races, and a trip to France to watch the England Rugby team play.

One particularly fond memory, is of Rich's 30th birthday, where we did the Tongariro crossing in New Zealand, a day I will never forget.

It was always a pleasure to meet up and reminisce about the good old days living and working in Slough, and plan our next meet up. I will remember Rich as quite possibly the cleverest person I ever met, an exceptional drinking buddy, with a great sense of humour.
Philip Clarkson
January 17, 2025
He was my second favourite Richard, with my brother being my first! He always referred to me as his second favourite Lesley, his mother being the first, obviously! Rich was a quiet man with a gentle nature and a huge cheeky smile that lit up the room. I had the pleasure of working with him for over 17 years and will miss him terribly. Rest up Rich, we will always remember and appreciate you.
Lesley Bell
January 16, 2025
A true gentleman, will be greatly missed, rest in peace Richard.
Mark Poore
January 16, 2025
I joined Vistair back in 2008 so have worked alongside Richard for nearly 17 years. He was a big presence, and not only because he was the only person who needed to duck through the doorway. He didn't say much but what he did say was delivered with a cutting wit and sly smile. My condolences for your loss; Richard will be long remembered as one of the best.
Christopher Davies
January 16, 2025
I worked with Richard for the last 2 years at Vistair, within our team he was someone you could always turn to for Advice, Direction and more importantly an appropriately witty sarcastic comment.

His humour was only surpassed by his wealth of knowledge, which he was always happy to share with anyone within the team.

He will be missed on so many levels within our little "work family", and no words will ever encompass the hole he has left on so many different levels.

Until we meet again.......
Andy Hughes
January 16, 2025
We worked at Vistair together, not directly but he was always there and a real prescence within the office. We spent some time after work a few years ago playing squash together. My abiding memories were his ability to stand almost completely still and beat me thoroughly by just stretching his arms out! Challenging but fun. And such a dry sense of humour too. So sad to hear of his passing.
Andrew Maxwell
January 14, 2025
Ricky and I became acquainted during a long summer when I basically moved in with the family! Ricky the eldest of the children didn’t need a sitter or a chaperone! But I certainly needed him! The rainy days were spent indoors crafting, playing board games and generally entertaining the three girls, John - the baby of the family-was just a baby who needed nappy changes, bottle feeds etc. The long summer days of picnics at Eastville park, the exploring of the overgrown, decrepit pool. Playing football- way below his ability to let the girls and I have a chance! Sitting quietly, showing the girls how to make daisy chains! Ricky being the first to grab John up out from the pram when he awoke crying and me grabbing the bottle and/or jar of food! I’m not sure who decided the dog should accompany us on some of these trips but the fun we had chasing around after it!! I was sad when that summer came to an end and we all went back our “real” life. Ricky helped make it a magical time for all of us.
Debbie Sivell
January 14, 2025
Richard was my big brother. He was sporty, funny, super intelligent and the best at computer games. He was my idol. The space he left in the world cannot be filled. He was a huge character.
John Cooper
January 13, 2025
Rick went to Edinburgh University and the first mother's day there he sent a huge bouquet of daffodils, my favourite flower. Maybe one of the most unusual requests the florist ever had.
Lesley Cooper
January 12, 2025
There are lots of memories that I share with Richard, from meeting, to marrying to welcoming Ivy into the world, but two of the most memorable are those which were Richard's favourite moments.

The first comes a year into our marriage, where we took a trip to the Dominican Republic to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Richard woke up one morning with child-like excitement and couldn't wait to get the day started - a swim with Dolphins was on the agenda and he couldn't wait. We spent the morning swimming with the Dolphins and exploring the nature park. This is one example of Richard enjoying a visit to a zoo or animal park, this often featured on holiday agendas or days out, always bonus points if there were a giraffe or 2 there (Richard's favourite animal) - another top memory has to be feeding the giraffes in Christchurch zoo.,

The second came a bit later - the day Ivy was born. Richard was so happy to be become a father and once she arrived he could relax into the role, as he carried some worry with him in making sure that she arrived safely. He was immediately number 1 for Ivy - for the first few years of her life she wanted no-one else! Ever since she arrived, we made memories enjoying our time as a family, from cooking meals to taking trips, we've done it all together as our family of 3.
Ruth Cooper

Service


A funeral service will be held on 4th March 2025. The family will be reaching out to share details with you and please feel free to contact us for any information. 

Donate

£ 1,180
Raised by 7 people
In honour of Richard, we will be making donations in his name. If you'd like to, then please donate here in his memory. 

These donations will be split between two charities: 

1. The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (https://greatwesternairambulance.com/), whose critical care team worked tirelessly to try and save Richard. 

and 

2. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (https://giraffeconservation.org/), to support the conservation of this majestic species, which he loved. 


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