Dedicated to the memory of Fred

This site is a tribute to Fred. They are much loved and will always be remembered.

Fred's life story

Frederick Gerald Cooper was born in Peterborough in 1926, son of Frederick & Daisy, younger brother of Joyce. They lived in Huntly Grove and later in St. Paul’s Road. Fred attended the Kings School in Peterborough. He had memories of family outings and holidays to North Norfolk, playing rugby, cycling to logging camps in Thetford, fire watch on Peterborough Cathedral roof during the war and always being hungry as a teenage boy fed on wartime rations. He sang in the local church choir and in Peterborough Cathedral choir. 


Fred completed his school certificate and higher school certificate and gained a place to study medicine, but in September 1944, aged 18, he enlisted with the Royal Navy Temporary Reserve as a midshipman on North Sea minesweepers. Like many of those who served in wartime, he didn’t talk much about his experiences, but did say that it was very cold and that the galley made excellent hot chocolate. He remembers that either on VE or VJ day his ship was in port in Belgium and the crew joined in the celebrations with the townspeople.


Fred studied ceramics after leaving the Royal Navy and become a trainee manager at Denby pottery in Derbyshire and worked for them until he retired as managing director.
In his early years at Denby, he spent many hours hiking in the Peak District, accompanied by his dog, Susie. Fred acquired Susie after challenging a man who was beating her and after some discussion bought her and took her home.
Fred met his wife, Daphne, at a Peterborough Town Hall dance and they married in 1959. Fred and Daphne had three children, Rosie, Ali and Mo, living in Nuthall and then Eastwood, Nottinghamshire.


Fred had a life-long love of the sea and sailing. He snorkelled and scuba dived until he was prevented by sinus problems. He sailed his dinghy, “Kittiwake”, at a local sailing club and further afield. On one memorable occasion during a race at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, while on a family holiday, he capsized during a sudden storm. Many sailors, including Fred’s crewman, were winched off by helicopter, but Fred refused to abandon his ship and Kittiwake returned unharmed to shore. This event featured on the front page of the local newspaper, to the great pride of his children.


On his retirement in 1988, Fred moved back to Peterborough, to be near Rosie, her husband, Greg and their family. He spent many happy years living at Svenskaby, Orton Wistow, walking in Nene Park and keeping his garden mown, clipped and pruned in a Royal Navy shipshape fashion. At this time Fred’s interest in sailing remained on land, through hearing of Greg’s yachting adventures and the novels of Patrick O’Brian.


Fred and Daphne were members of Peterborough NADFAS and went on many trips in the UK and abroad. Their grandchildren, Kat, Suzie, Arthur and Matilda brought them great joy and they spent many happy hours with them in Peterborough and on family holidays in Southwold.


When Daphne developed dementia, Fred looked after her at home for as long as he possibly could, until the strain damaged his own health. After Daphne’s death in 2018, Fred continued living on his own at Svenskaby. Covid 19 brought many problems, but also benefits. I have happy memories of many hours spent having lunch with him, sitting in the sun and chatting. Thanks to the lovely staff of Home Instead, who provided care, kindness and friendship, enabling him to stay in his own home for as long as possible. Thanks also to his Svenskaby neighbours for their support and for keeping an eye on him. Fred’s last months were spent in Thorpe Wood Care Home and thanks to the kind, caring, cheerful staff who looked after him, they were happy ones. 


Fred died peacefully in his sleep on 3 January.
Good bye from all your family and friends. Fred, Dad, Granddad, we love you.

Ali Cooper

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