Mr. H. G. Cooper, formerly of Rushden

Triumph over ill-health, after being an invalid and without work for 25 years, and then a fatal attack of influenza just when he was beginning to please everyone with his progress is the life story of Mr. Harold G. Cooper, who until recently, lived with his mother at 27, Washbrook-road, and who died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Hall, at 20, Park-street, on Friday afternoon.

"He was born with heart trouble, said Mrs. Hall, explaining to a reporter her brother's handicap of ill-health from the very beginning. At Rushden, where he was a well-known figure, he was often to be seen being pushed about in an invalid chair.

And then, about a year ago, just before he lost his mother, he tried to walk, starting with short distances.

''He walked six miles one day," said Mrs. Hall. "We were afraid he might collapse, attempting such long walks. But he got on all right, and then he wanted to start work.

"After mother died, he went to live with his sister at Rushden, Mrs. Hinson, and then came to live with me for a space. That was last September.

"When he came, he wanted to know where the Labour Exchange was, and I would not tell him, because I did not want him to go and upset himself. But he found it, and told them he wanted a light job.

"The manager, Mr. Arnold Corby, got him a light job at Tebbutt and Hall's, in the welting room. That was at Christmas, and he got on splendidly, getting brighter and stronger.

"And then, about a fortnight ago, an attack of 'flu caused a breakdown in health and strength, and he had been in bed a week when he died".

And so, before an illness which might defeat the strongest, this 26 years old Northamptonshire lad tasted for a few months the fruits of victory over quarter of a century's disablement. His life closes with the respect of fellow workpeople, with whom he was very popular, as he was with members of the Methodist Church, of which he was a regular member.

The funeral took place at Rushden on Tuesday afternoon from the home of Mrs. Hinson, 102 Newton-road. The Rev. E. E. Bromage conducted the service.