TRIBUTES have poured in for Harry Cooper of Blackrod, who passed away at Wingates Residential Home on February 3, at the age of 89.

Harry was the beloved husband of the late Norma Cooper, the loving father of Stuart, the dear father-in-law of Joan and the devoted grandad of Stephanie.

He was also a dearly loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle, and greatly loved by his many friends.

Harry was born and raised in Gorton, Manchester, which is where he met Norma.

The couple moved to Timperley when Harry started working as an accountant.

However, they set up home in Blackrod in 1960, after their son was born.

Once in Blackrod, Harry switched careers, taking a job as a production planner for Heinz.

He worked at the brand’s Kitt Green production plant in Orrell, Wigan.

A community-minded man, he also served on the Blackrod Urban District Council for several years.

He also did a lot for the Royal British Legion in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

A sports fan through and through, Harry played rugby league as a young man,

He was also keen on football, and as a lifelong Manchester United fan, he never missed a match on the TV.

Outgoing and sociable, he was also a music-lover, and played the drums in bands before he married.

Harry was a loving family man and a devoted grandad to Stephanie.

Holidays were often trips to his beloved Wales with Norma, to places like Anglesey and Conway.

He suffered from three strokes in his later life, and lost his sight.

Harry’s daughter-in-law Joan paid tribute to him, saying: “He will always be remembered.

“He was so good with us, and we will certainly miss him.”

His family would like to thank all the medical staff who helped to look after him over the years, as well as the carers at Wingates, where he spent seven happy months.

Donations in his memory can be made to Guide Dogs UK.