Popularly called Russi, the multifaceted centurion born on December 14, 1922 was a founder member and distinguished past president of Ship Agents Association of Bombay, now known as MANSA (Maritime Association of Nationwide Shipping Agencies – India). The legend was also a past president of FEDSAI (Federation of Ship Agents Association of India)
As a pioneer in the maritime sector, the late Mr. Cooper saw the growth of India’s shipping and logistics sector from close quarters and held senior positions in the liner and tramp sector with Patvolk, JM Baxi group, among others.
Even in his 90s, he was active as a committee member of Container Shipping Lines Association and as a Member of Indian Council of Arbitration as Commercial Arbitrator in shipping disputes. He was also practicing as a Maritime Lawyer besides being a Trustee of Bombay Port Trust for several years.
He was the oldest living first-class cricketer in the world, having represented Bombay (1943–44 and 1944–45) in the Ranji Trophy with the Stellar knock of 52 and 104 in the 1944-45, against Holkar. He also played for the Parsees in the Pent-angular (1941-42 to 1944-45) and played county cricket for Middlesex (1949-51) in England. The Shipping Fraternity will miss this guiding beacon and cherish his fond memory for ever.
