We are sorry to have to report the sudden death of Mac Cooper on October 30th, who had, until recently, been Chairman of Aston Manor Transport Museum. He was 70. Mac had been suffering the debilitating effects of Parkinsons and this had forced him to give up his close involvement in running the Museum, early in 2003.

Although always known as ‘Mac’, this was actually a shortened version of his real name, Malcolm. His early working life had been on the railways, based in the ticket offices of several Birmingham area stations and that perhaps explained a considerable interest in tickets and ticket systems that Mac later acquired. Subsequently he became a sales manager which allowed him considerable countrywide travel and a further opportunity to pursue his transport interests. These expanded into a collection and considerable knowledge of die-cast models, as well as photographs and books.

While his interest in buses had initially centred on the products of Carlyle Works in Edgbaston (Midland Red) and to the other local operators, his main involvement in the preservation movement was through his love of all things Bournemouth. Ultimately he had been the owner of full-front Leyland PD2, KEL 131, sold just a few months ago to Stephen Morris of Quantock Motor Services, and also of Tiger Cub, RRU 903, which has seen some significant restoration work in more recent years. The latter remains at the Museum on display, while ‘131’ had been regularly rallied throughout the 1980’s.

Mac became more closely involved with the local preservation movement when he became one of the earlier members of West Midlands Vintage Vehicle Society and quickly became Vice-Chairman and organiser in chief of the Outer Circle Rally, a role he relished from the early 80’s. His strength was meeting and talking to significant people, both inside and outside the bus industry, and this was proved to the full as discussions started about what eventually would become Aston Manor Road Transport Museum. As the project developed towards the end of the 80’s, Mac, together with then Chairman, Alf Powick, were a formidable force to be reckoned with as the project came up against unexpected difficulties – ones they were able to overcome.

When the Museum first opened its doors at the beginning of 1992, Mac had become the significant force behind most of what the Museum did, and he was always supported by his wife, Pat. It was she who would be the face visitors would see in the Museum shop on most occasions. The shop was a significant factor in the ongoing success of the Museum – a foundation that is still relied upon today. However, despite their very public image, both were actually very private people, totally devoted to one another and fiercely loyal to the causes they believed in.

Although the Museum has seen some significant changes since Mac was forced to give up his direct involvement, the level of stability that his reign created and his tenacity when things got tough are the kind of qualities that are in short supply these days. These, amongst many others, are the kind of qualities that his many friends will miss as well.