CLIFTON Springs\u2019 Ken Cooper witnessed the birth of Avalon Airport decades ago, and is now the last member of its original workforce to earn his \u201cangel wings\u201d.
\nMr Cooper was aged 102 when he died on September 14, and was farewelled by his loving family and friends at a memorial service last week.
\n\u201cKen has had a long, wonderful, blessed life,\u201d daughter Janice Edwards said.
\n\u201cHe married Doss the love of his life and together they shared 62 years of marriage.
\n\u201cHe has left a great legacy, a man of integrity, compassion and love.\u201d
\nMr Cooper was one of 20 men selected by the federal government to build propeller and jet planes at Avalon Airport when it opened on March 3, 1953.
\n\u201cKen recalled seeing a gravel track, tin shed, and no toilet facilities on the first day, and 1600ha of flat dried grass farmland, teeming with rabbits,\u201d Mrs Edwards said.
\n\u201cHe wondered what he had struck!
\n\u201cThey commenced building Canberra bombers in the tin shed.
\n\u201cThe first hangar known as Plant 4 was in the process of being constructed.\u201d
\nMrs Edwards said the first Canberra twin engine jet aircraft was built and its flight test was on May 2 1953, with test pilot John Miles at the controls.
\n\u201cWhen Johnny Miles came back from flight he congratulated Ken and his team for the great work they had done.\u201d
\nMrs Edwards said her dad\u2019s interest in aircraft was triggered back in 1927, when he was just 10 years old.
\n\u201cSir Kingsford Smith landed his aircraft in a paddock at Wonthaggi and Ken\u2019s dad took him over to see it,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cHe said to his father that he would like to get a job in building aircraft one day.
\n\u201cThe seed was planted, that would be watered and flourished in the years to come.\u201d
\nIt was in 1989 when Ken and Doss found their special home in Bay Shore Ave and moved to Clifton Springs.
\nDuring the years at Clifton Springs, they saw their family grow to seven grandchildren and Ken was there to see his 13 great grandchildren.
\nIn December 2016, Ken was admitted to Drysdale Grove for respite following many falls, where he remained until the end.
\nBut something momentous took place on his 102nd birthday in April \u2013 a surprise visit by Avalon Airport chief executive officer Justin Giddings.
\n\u201cWhat a fabulous, memorable birthday Ken had,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cJustin presented Ken with the 2017 aerial photograph of the Avalon Airshow, a cap and the Avalon Airport magazine. It was wonderful.\u201d
\nMrs Edwards said her dad\u2019s comment was: \u201cThat has made my day\u201d.<\/p>\n
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CLIFTON Springs\u2019 Ken Cooper witnessed the birth of Avalon Airport decades ago, and is now the last member of its original workforce to earn his \u201cangel wings\u201d. Mr Cooper was aged 102 when he died on September 14, and was farewelled by his loving family and friends at a memorial service last week. \u201cKen has […]<\/p>\n