Michael Cooper, QNI Trustee

Michael was the most wonderful Trustee, Vice Chair and later Vice President. He was relentless in his active support of the QNI and I shall be forever grateful for his wisdom and kindness in supporting me as Chief Executive over the last nine years. He was a true champion of the Support for Nurses work of the QNI and was deeply committed to ensuring nurses in the community were supported with grants for financial hardship and education.  Michael was deeply interested in the work of all nurses in the community and their power to impact on peoples’ lives. He attended all QNI annual conferences and annual awards ceremonies and whilst there, he was always to be found animated conversation with nurses about the reality of their work. Michael was a true gentleman and he will be deeply missed by all at the QNI.

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Michael Cooper our Vice-President. Michael was a very passionate supporter of community nurses who was committed to the work of the Queen’s Nursing Institute for more than 20 years. I was very proud to know him, work with him as a trustee and more recently as Chair of Council. His good grace, humour and considerable experience will be sorely missed. My condolences go to his wife and children and wider circle of friends.

Working alongside Michael on behalf of the QNI for over twenty years was a joy as were the conversations we had about everything under the sun often over a convivial lunch or dinner! He was knowledgeable, supportive and challenging in a most constructive way. I will miss him as a friend.

Both as Vice Chairman and as a member of the Finance Committee, Michael’s contribution was outstanding over such a long period - and it was always such fun working with him!

Michael was the most wonderful Vice Chair, friend and support when I was Chair. He always had time for a question, a discussion, or just a chat, offering such wise advice, which was invaluable. I shall so miss his kindness, generosity, and fun.

We will always appreciate Michael’s wisdom and knowledge as the ‘Support for Nurses’ Trustee. He will be sorely missed for his support, his understanding and of course his sense of humour. His guidance over the years as Trustee for the QNI’s Financial Assistance Grants and our Keep in Touch programme has been invaluable. He was empathetic, knowledgeable and genuinely interested in people and we thank him for all he did for us over many years.