Dons will host celebration of legendary Cooper’s life

ABERDEEN will host a public memorial for Dons legend Neale Cooper following his untimely death at the age of 54. The event, billed a ‘Celebration of Neale’s life’, will take place at 7.30pm on Friday in the Richard Donald Stand at Pittodrie. Cooper’s family, who have encouraged friends, colleagues and supporters to attend, said in a statement: ‘Neale will have a private family funeral and there will be a public memorial event at Aberdeen FC. The family would like to thank Aberdeen for organising the event and for the support they have shown. The family are also very touched and grateful for the overwhelming support and thoughts of the public and fans.’ Cooper helped the Dons lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, as well as winning a string of domestic trophies and was a regular at Pittodrie in recent years doing corporate work. Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes yesterday paid tribute to ‘one of life’s good guys’. ‘I’m devastated by the loss,’ McInnes told the club website. ‘It’s so unfair on Neale and his family to be taken so young. ‘Although I had encountered Neale previously, I got to know him better in recent years and he had this unique ability of making me and other people feel instantly better. ‘He lit up a room and was such a likeable guy. He was one of life’s good guys and we will ultimately be a poorer club without him around. ‘Neale would often stick his head in to my office on a matchday, always quick with a joke. ‘He defended Aberdeen fiercely at every turn and on a personal basis I will be eternally grateful to him for that. ‘His greatness on the pitch will forever be cherished. We will all miss him terribly.’