Vale Gordon S. Cooper AM
It is with considerable regret that the Board of Directors advise the Members of The Rugby Club Foundation that former President Gordon Cooper AM passed away last weekend. Our thoughts are with Gordon’s family at this difficult time.
Having been a Member of The Rugby Club since 1979 Gordon was first elected as a Director of the Club on 2 August 1991. Having retired from the Board on 31 March 1998 he again joined the Board as Vice-President on 14 April 1999. He was subsequently appointed as President on 23 January 2001 and served in that role until his resignation on 22 January 2003.
In recognition of his years of service Gordon was elected as an Honorary Life member of the Club in 2003. He served with distinction and we are grateful for his efforts and contribution as a longstanding Director of the Club.
Gordon’s capacity for undertaking voluntary roles was well known. He served in other leadership roles and he was highly and widely regarded as the consummate professional with an accompanying infectious personality. In recognition of his significant contributions to the Australian taxation law sector in particular, Gordon was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He has been described by his peers as a true giant and legend of his chosen profession and he is recognised as being a friend, mentor, and leader to many, and as someone who unselfishly shared so much of his wisdom and experience.
Gordon’s support for charity was also well known. For example, he was a strong supporter of the annual McGrath Foundation “pink SCG test match”, an occasion on which he would dye his beard pink and dress in a pink suit, more often than not making an appearance in the media outlets the following day. He was also treasurer of Variety, and supported numerous other causes.
On behalf of the Members of The Rugby Club Foundation, the Board of Directors thank Gordon for his years of sterling service in all professional and community sectors in which he was involved.
Vale.