Family tribute to crash victim
The family of a Staffordshire man who died in a car crash in Spain have spoken for the first time describing him as a "loving grandfather" and someone who "loved life." The family of a Staffordshire man who died in a car crash in Spain have spoken for the first time describing him as a "loving grandfather" and someone who "loved life." Brian Cooper, of Highland Road, Huntington, Cannock, was killed on May 21 in a car accident hours after visiting his daughter in the Alicante area of Spain. Wife Beatrice, 66, had a broken arm and several cracked ribs. The crash happened moments after Brian had re-fuelled at a petrol station. His daughter Julie Wootton, of Tudor Close, Burntwood, said: "Everyone liked him, he would talk to anyone and was very kind." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Brian Cooper, of Highland Road, Huntington, Cannock, was killed on May 21 in a car accident hours after visiting his daughter in the Alicante area of Spain. Wife Beatrice, 66, had a broken arm and several cracked ribs.
The crash happened moments after Brian had re-fuelled at a petrol station.
His daughter Julie Wootton, of Tudor Close, Burntwood, said: "Everyone liked him, he would talk to anyone and was very kind.
"He loved his children and grandchildren. He was a great friend as well as a dad and he would do anything for us. He did more miles since his retirement than during his working life."
Brian, who moved from Wolverhampton with his wife and children in the 60s, worked for over 25 years for the General Electric Company in Stafford.
After his retirement Brian, who loved all forms of sport, enjoyed holidaying with his wife to Spain and the couple tried to escape at least four times a year.
He was also a well liked member of the Cannock Ex-serviceman's club where he served on the club committee for several years.
Mrs Wootton added: "My nephew Adam has won swimming championships and dad used to go everywhere with him.
"He had a t-shirt printed saying 'Brian Cooper – number one supporter,' which he was very proud of."
Beatrice is recuperating at Staffordshire General Hospital. Julie said: "My mum and dad were very close, they were devoted to each other and as family this has brought us all closer together, you realise after something like this what is really important."
Brian leaves a sister, Pat, daughters Julie and Carole and three grandchildren.
His funeral will be at Stafford Crematorium on Monday June 11 (10.30am). Family flowers only, donations to swimming club Stafford Apex. There will be a wake and refreshments at the Cannock Ex-serviceman's Club in Walsall Road.
