News Flash: Glenn Cooper

Glenn Cooper passed away on 14th September 2019

Glenn Cooper (8/03/1957 – 14/09/2019)

Glenn came to fencing ‘late in life’, as he didn’t start until he was in his thirties. He had always fancied trying it out, but didn’t know where there were any clubs.

He started with Mike Winterburn at Guiseley Leisure Centre around 1994 whilst his son, Peter, learnt football skills in the next sports hall.  When Mike was forced to retire (due to being employed by the Council), there was no-one else to take over and the club closed so Glenn had to find somewhere else to fence.

He fenced at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre for a few years and then joined the Royal Armouries Fencing Club. He coached at both at various times.

He had kidney transplant in March 2004, and decided to have a go at learning to be a coach. He went to Denstone for first time in April 2006 and gained his Level 1 Foil Coach award, followed by Level 2 the following year.  He attended at least 4 Easter courses, but didn’t always manage to gain an award.

He helped run taster sessions at the BAF Diamond Swords event at Warwick Castle in 2009… and gave his BAF baseball cap away to Prof Bob Anderson. He said he’d always be able to boast that Darth Vader stole his hat!

His fencing qualifications included gaining Level 3 Foil in April 2010, Level 1 Sabre in November 2012 and Level 2 Sabre in November 2013.

When Glenn took early retirement from a post as a Legal Adviser at Leeds Magistrates Court in November 2011 he took over some additional coaching roles – worked at Ackworth and Queen Ethelburga’s schools for a while until health problems stopped him driving.

He joined Leeds Fencing Club in 2009 and worked with Tim Noble and myself in developing the beginners. He attended many Yorkshire events in support of our junior fencers. He had also been coaching regularly at the Royal Armouries.

Glenn was a regular attendee at BAF AGMs and dinners with his wife Ann from 2007 to 2019.

Whilst Glenn had many health issues his death was a great shock as he was coaching at Leeds Fencing Club just few days before. He will be sorely missed.

Maitre John Crouch