Vale Don 'Dux' Cooper
A handy allround cricketer, Don (Dux) Cooper played in three consecutive premierships with Mulwala, starting as a 14-year-old in 1962-63.
But it was excellent and enormous off-field work for which he will be long remembered, earning him top awards, including being a Life Member of Yarrawonga and District Cricket Association in 1989 and of North East Region Cricket Association in 1998.
In 2000, Dux was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for services to cricket. In 2012 he was recognised by Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for 50 years of service to the game.
The 76-year-old passed away on November 9 in Melbourne.
Many cricketers of yesteryear were among mourners at his funeral service last Thursday at the chapel of Yarrawonga Mulwala Funeral Services.
Funeral celebrant Rhonda Livingstone referred to “the extraordinary life of a truly unforgettable man”.
“Don was someone who made a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. He was not one to shy away from hard work.
“Throughout his life, he held a variety of jobs, showing his versatility and strong work ethic. But if there was one passion that truly defined him, it was cricket.”
President of the Mulwala Cricket Club for 10 years, Yarrawonga and District Cricket Association Secretary for 21 years, President North East Region Cricket Association 13 years, Manager, but practically bus driver and scorer representative games and country week – both seniors to Melbourne and juniors to Benalla… the list goes on!
“When the local association moved to disband and form a larger integrated club to join the Wangaratta Association, Dad was against it – maybe selfishly – but when the majority agreed it was in the best interests of cricket locally – he stepped up to be the inaugural President of the newly formed Yarrawonga-Mulwala Cricket Club,” son Phil, who delivered a wonderful eulogy, said.
“In the late 70s, Stan Hargreaves had an idea that the local association needed a ground of its own.
“With Robert Tait as then president and with his successor Glenn Brear – Dad commenced the process to have a large paddock on the edge of town – over-looked by a clay pigeon shooting range – allocated to the care of the cricket association.
“He lobbied the trustees and local council. And in 1981 the association was granted approval to build an oval on the site.
“The facility is one of few in the state that is exclusively used for cricket and stands as an outstanding local facility that many city clubs and state associations would be proud to call their own.
“Subsequent building of clubrooms and the introduction of a turf wicket facility all followed and all overseen by Dux. Stocking and manning of a communal association drinking hole – late Saturday nights serving drinks, hand moving sprinklers – rolling of wickets – installation of irrigation systems.
“Each upgrade and every step seen as improvements to his own personal backyard.
“These achievements were not his alone – but he was there for every step – and not just for cricket – the establishment and enlargement of netball facilities within the precinct and lighting at the showgrounds are also notable.”
Mourner Ray Irvine, who was named captain in the cricket association’s team of the last 25 years of last century, described Dux’s contribution to the cricket association as “enormous”.
Another of that star-studded team, Glenn Brear, said Dux was “so full on with so many local organisations”.
“He was absolutely amazing for cricket,” today’s multi sports premiership president and player added.