A MUCH-LOVED Hereford postman has died, leaving behind memories of photographs, table tennis, postal deliveries, and his kindness.
Ian Cooper died on November 4, 2021, at St Michaels Hospice in Hereford.
He left behind his wife of 35 years Mandy Cooper, daughter Tamsin and son in law Peter.
Mr Cooper and his three brothers, Brinley, Robert, and Ashley all grew up in Waterfield Road, Newton Farm, Hereford, where he lived until he moved to Ethelstan Crescent shortly after his marriage to Mrs Cooper in 1985.
Ian Cooper with his wife Mandy
They raised their two children, Tamsin, and Callum here until they moved to their last address in Eastnor Drive, Tupsley, in 2005.
Ian started his work life as a professional photographer, working from Worcester at around the age of 20.
At the age of 28, he started working for the Royal Mail in the Hereford sorting office, where he would stay for the next 32 years, until he was forced to retire on medical grounds.
Sadie Lewis said: "Ian was an old school postman who was kind and caring and knew when things were not right. He always put a smile on the faces of his deliveries with his cheerful disposition."
He was well loved by those on his rounds, often checking in on the elderly and vulnerable in the community he dealt with.
Heather R Mills said: "Each morning Ian was working he called in on our mother and had tea and toast. If she was unwell Ian would phone us girls quietly to let us know.
"Ian was a quiet gentleman and a solid family man with a good soul."
Ian Cooper, who passed away on November 4
He also enjoyed his table tennis, using his qualification to voluntarily teach table tennis to kids and young adults at Aylestone High School.
In his last few days, Ian was looked after by St Michaels Hospice in Hereford.
His funeral will be taking place on December 6 at Hereford Crematorium 1.15pm with all welcome and encouraged to attend.
The wake will take place afterwards at The Imperial, in Widemarsh Street, Hereford.
Donations are welcomed to St Michaels Hospice and The Teenage Cancer Trust.
Flowers can be given through S A Evans Funeral Directors.
Mr Cooper's family said: "A huge thank you to his family at Royal Mail and the community nurses for their great care."
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