Mr Cooper, who retired in 1997, died on March 15 at the age of 89 with his partner Sue, his youngest son Richard, and Richard’s wife Leigh by his side.
He was known for his exceptional service, having started his journey with the RNLI in 1970 as an inspector of lifeboats, ensuring stations, boats, and crews operated at peak efficiency.
His career was marked by periods of rapid modernisation of the lifeboat fleet, eventually leading the operations department at the RNLI head office in Poole.
Commodore George Cooper, OBE, former Chief of Operations at RNLI (1937-2026) (Image: Richard Cooper)
Born on February 8, 1937, in the Epsom Common area, Mr Cooper’s early fascination with the sea began with visits to his extended family in Birkenhead during the war, where he was captivated by large ocean-going ships.
At the age of 15, he left Epsom Grammar School and joined the King Edward Nautical College in London.
By 1962, at the age of 25, he was a fully qualified master mariner with the Clan Line Shipping Company, a position he held for 16 years.
His service was briefly set aside when, in 1969, he took a year as the mate of the Sail Training Association schooner, the Sir Winston Churchill, providing training to young people.
It was in 1970 that Mr Cooper made a significant career change to join the RNLI.
He was responsible for ensuring operational efficiency across the Welsh and North-West Divisions, providing ongoing training and assessment.
By 1981, Mr Cooper was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations at the RNLI Head Office in Poole.
He became Chief of Operations, responsible for 230 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland.
This position saw his efforts in modernising the lifeboat fleet, involving constant coastal reviews to optimise the deployment of lifeboats.
George was notable for encouraging a more structured training process at the RNLI, making it more inclusive to volunteers without prior maritime knowledge.
Commodore George Cooper, OBE, former Chief of Operations at RNLI (1937-2026) (Image: Richard Cooper)
He retired in 1997 after receiving an OBE for his services to the RNLI.
His personal life was marked by a 49-year marriage to Kathlean from 1962 until she passed away due to pancreatic cancer.
He later found companionship with Sue, who was with him in his last years.
His funeral is due to take place at 12.30pm on April 12, at Harbour View Crematorium.
The family has requested no flowers, with donations to be divided between Pancreatic Cancer Action and Alzheimer’s Research UK.