Private Frederick John (Jack) Cooper 7.1.1923 – 28.8.2014
Jack was born in 1923 in Foster, Victoria, second child of Arthur and Julia Cooper. Brother Ray was 3 years old. His father had a farm at Dollar in South Gippsland where he grew potatoes. When Jack was 4 his mother died. His father sold the farm and they moved to Wakiti Creek near Nathalia.
Leaving school at 13 he worked on a farm and over the next few years had a variety of jobs in the area before joining the army in 1941. His brother Ray had joined 12 months earlier and was serving in Malaya.
Jack had never been to Melbourne before when came down and joined his unit – the Third Reinforcement for the 2/29th Battalion.
He left for Singapore on September 1941 and 20 days later landed in a hot steamy Singapore. Jack was there when Singapore fell, was taken to Burma where he worked on aerodromes before starting work on the railway line and was at the Thai end when the bridges were bombed and then when the war finished. The experiences of our men on the Thai Burma Railway have been well documented and Jack’s recollection of his time there has moved so many since he wrote his story.
Once home again Jack went back to Kyabram . The next few years were not easy. His brother was missing in Malaya and he found it difficult settling back into life as it had been. Jack married Betty and they had daughter, Roma, but it was all just too hard for him. Feeling quite lost he came to Gippsland for a two week holiday – and he stayed. After a few years and a range of jobs he met and married Beryl.
Most of our generations of the Morrisons will have different memories of Uncle Jack over the years. When we were very young, we were, perhaps a little wary of him and we did get used to making sure that presents we gave were not ‘made in Japan’! We did, however, develop a lot of respect for him and became very fond of him. Jack was such a patient carer of Beryl over many years and her loss left a big void in his life.
Moving down to Trafalgar gave Jack a new lease of life. He had always been an active member of the community – but living in Trafalgar brought him right into the middle of the community. Sitting at his kitchen table, he enjoyed watching the world go by and someone was always knocking on his door. Jack was always ready for a cheerful chat and a joke and a cup of tea (or a beer)
One of Jack’s delights in recent times has been his own family and we have been so pleased to see and share in his enjoyment.
Friday sippers at Jack’s became a tradition until the RSL introduced their own happy hour.
Jack was one of the instigators and founding members of the Latrobe Valley Ex-Prisoners of War and Relatives branch in 1954 and was very actively involved ever since. He had seen many changes in the group over the years and rarely missed a meeting. I have been secretary for a number of years and Jack remained sharp on protocol – to the extent that he would pick me up on technicalities in the minutes. He will be truly missed by the group.
Jack cared about others – and they cared about him.
He has left us all with some wonderful shared memories – and much love.
Thank you Jack.
By Lynn Penrose (Jack’s Niece)