The “Chummy” COOPER Story

Harold Hamilton Riddiford Cooper

(1878 – 1948)

Harold Hamilton Riddiford Cooper

Harold was fondly known as Chummy, was born on 26 December 1878 in Wellington. He was the youngest son of George Sisson Cooper and Ellen Chaffers Riddiford.

George Sisson Cooper held significant roles within the newly formed colony of New Zealand. He was private secretary to Governor Fitzroy and Governor Grey, and became Colonial Under Secretary in 1870. Chummy’s grandfather, George Ashley Cooper was New Zealand's first Colonial Treasurer and played a role in collecting signatures for the Treaty of Waitangi. He is pictured signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

Children's names recorded in the George Sisson Cooper Family Bible

Deaths recorded in the George Sisson Cooper Family Bible

George Sisson Cooper Family Portrait. Back row, L-R: Guy, Emily, Tancred, Ormond, George (Father), Ethel, Daniel. Front row L-R: Ellen, Harold, Ellen (Mother)

Chummy’s Family Life

There were two families

Chummy’s first marriage was to Ethel Blanche Evelyn Haselden, daughter of the prominent solicitor and judge, William Haselden. They married on 15 October 1902. Their only child, Arthur Riddiford Cooper (known as Bill), was born on 28 September 1903 in Palmerston North. Sadly, Ethel died in 1923 at just 42 years old from pneumonia.

Circa early 1900s, L-R: Chummy, Ethel, Unknown, Bill

The second family

In 1924, Chummy remarried in Palmerston North to Noelle Pascal, known as Noe. They had three sons:
John Cooper, Michael Cooper, and Charles Cooper. Charles later went on to be granted the title of Monsignor in the Catholic Church

Although Noe was a step grandparent to Bill’s children, they were very fond of her. Noe lived a lot longer life than her husband Chummy, passing away in 1974 at the age of 81.

Bill and his step brothers, L-R: Michael, John, Charles, Bill

Memories of Chummy

There aren’t many detailed memories of Chummy, as he passed away in 1948, when his grandchildren were still very young. His grandchildren called him “Graddydaddy Chummy”.

His eldest granddaughter Pamela, also known as Andy, remembered visiting him as a rather serious event where the children had to be on their best behaviour. It was a time when "children were seen and not heard."

The last time Andy saw Chummy, he was gravely ill with lung cancer, and she remembered the strong smell of tobacco. Still, what stood out to her was his devotion—he always knelt beside his bed at night to say his prayers.

Andy also recalled Charles Cooper, her step-uncle’s recollection of learning of his father’s death. He was only 15 years old walking home from school, a very sad moment for him.

Despite the distance in age and the time, Chummy left a warm impression. Recognised over time by the many gifts he received—including a kiwi feather cloak and table with carved wooden legs—he was clearly a well respected man. His nickname says a lot—he must have been a kind and friendly man, well-liked by those who knew him.

May 2023:

L-R , Charles Cooper - youngest son of Chummy and step uncle of Andy, Barbara Milina Cooper - great granddaughter of Chummy, Andy Casey - granddaughter of Chummy.

This next part of the story follows the family of Bill Cooper.

It shares the lives and memories, of Bill and Marly Cooper and their six children. From their home life in Wellington to life at Ōtaki Beach, this branch of the Cooper family is full of character, laughter, and strong family ties.

Arthur Riddiford Cooper (Bill) (1903-1968)

Arthur Riddiford Cooper, known to family and friends as Bill or Billy was born on 28 September 1903 in Palmerston North. He was originally going to be named William after his grandfather William Reeve, however the initials WC didn’t go down that well, therefore he was named Arthur Riddiford. The Cooper family has a tendency to repeat family names, name a child at birth, but then call them by their second name, or create a nickname that tends to stick. As you read through, note the Cooper names!

As an only child, Bill was sent to boarding school in Wanganui at a young age and, like his father before him, attended Wanganui Collegiate School from 1917 to 1922.

Although it might have seemed natural for him to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the family law firm in Palmerston North, Bill forged his own path. He became a well-known and respected lawyer in Wellington, where he built a reputation for both legal skill and kindness.

He was a partner in the firm Hornblow Cooper Shires & Carran, and served for a number of years as President of the Wellington Law Society.

Bill was widely considered a kind and considerate gentleman. Stories from the time tell of him often letting clients off paying their legal bills because he felt sorry for them—even while raising six children of his own. His generosity and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A Family Legacy in Law

The passion for law didn’t stop with Chummy and Bill—it continued down through the generations. Many of Bill’s descendants followed in their footsteps:

Jeremy Cooper, one of Bill’s sons, became a lawyer.
Wendy Cooper, Bill’s granddaughter, also became a lawyer.
Wendy’s sons, David McLelland and George McLelland, both work in law… Read More… note Judge Haselden’s daughter was Bill’s Mother, incorrect media reporting.
Andy, Bill’s daughter Pamela, married a lawyer.
One of Andy’s granddaughters, Sharon Wishnowsky (née Casey), is a lawyer.
One of Arthur's granddaughters Kelsie is a fully qualified lawyer
Jacob Cooper, Head Boy of Onehunga High School 2025, who is the future guardian of the G. S. Cooper family bible, is about to begin studying law.

A calling to provide justice and public service runs strong in the Cooper family.

L-R: Jeremy Cooper - Chummy’s grandson, David McLelland - Chummy’s great great grandson, Wendy Cooper - Chummy’s great granddaughter.

Bill and Marly Cooper

A lively young lady full of personality stole Bill’s heart. On 8 November 1928, in Wellington, Bill and Marjorie Lysbeth Young were married in a registry office. Marly always kept their wedding date quiet for some unknown reason!

Marly was the second of eight children. Her father had started out as a dentist in Marton but went on to have a distinguished career in the New Zealand Army, eventually becoming a Major General.

Bill and Marly are remembered as having had a very happy marriage. They had six children together and built a happy family life in Wellington. Bill worked hard in his law practice, while Marly focused on raising their children, with help from her family, especially her sister Nancy (Nan).

Bill and Marly’s Six Cooper Children

Pamela Ann Cooper (Andy) b. 1929

Arthur David Robert Cooper (David) 1931-1959

Timothy Cooper (Tim) 1932-2009

Arthur Basil Cooper (Arthur) b. 1936

George Jeremy Cooper (Jeremy) b. 1945

Harold Nicholas Cooper (Nick) b. 1946

Bill was very proud of his eldest and only daughter Andy. She had five highly spirited younger brothers who were known far and wide for their energy and mischief. The Cooper boys developed quite a reputation—especially for teasing—and many family stories still circle back to their childhood antics.

David was the practical joker, often leading the charge in mischief, with Tim close behind, always keen for fun.
Arthur was known as the clever one, often getting away with more than his brothers.
Jeremy and Nick, the youngest two, had their own little gang of boys, with Jeremy proudly at the helm.

Though Bill was supposed to be the stern father, by all accounts, he wasn’t all that strict. And Marly, underneath it all, was deeply proud of her boys—they could do no wrong in her eyes. Each of them went on to become successful in their own way, carrying the family’s values of loyalty, humour, and quiet determination.

L-R: Andy, David, in front Tim, circa mid-1930s

L-R: Arthur, Jeremy, Nick at Marly's Cottage circa mid 1950s

In 1957, Bill purchased 44 Tasman Road in Ōtaki Beach—a property Marly had always adored. It’s a place where the family spent many beach holidays. It had belonged to Marlys parents, but after her father's passing in 1953, it was to be sold, as her mother could no longer maintain it. Marly had lost all hope of ever being able to buy it, so it was a huge gift and wonderful surprise to her. The home became known as 'Marly’s Cottage,' named in honour of this charismatic woman whose warmth and charm left a lasting impression on many.

The family relocated from Wellington to Ōtaki, and Bill began commuting to the city by bus and train for work. The two youngest sons, Jeremy and Nick, transferred from Northland Primary School to Ōtaki Primary School. Their older brother Arthur also spent a year living in Ōtaki before beginning his Air Force training.

Though Andy, David, and Tim had already left home, Ōtaki was always considered the heart of the family. Diaries and photos show that they often returned, and the house on Tasman Road became a hub for visits, laughter, and memories.

On 7 September, just shy of his 65th birthday, Bill died suddenly of a heart attack. His son Jeremy remembered that Bill had just received a good dividend and was looking forward to spending it. His death was unexpected and came as a huge shock to all the family. He was a much-loved husband and father.

Life at 44 Tasman Road, Otaki Beach

Jeremy as a baby on a visit to Otaki Beach

Marly and Bill with children at the beach, circa mid-1930s

1960s, 44 Tasman Rd. Marly building her stone walls, Nick helping, Andy trying to get out of the photo!

The Tim Cooper family at 44 Tasman Rd, back L-R Mary, Tim, Barbara, front: L-R Michael, David, late 1960s.

Bill Cooper outside the shed at 44 Tasman Rd

Family gathering outside the shed at 44 Tasman Rd, L-R: Andy, Michael Cooper, David Cooper, Simon Casey, Beverley Cooper, Richard Cooper, Mary Cooper

The Casey family. Back L-R: Simon, Andy, Andrew, Bill. Front, L-R: Marly, Ruth

Beach holidays, fun with Nick. Back: Nick, Middle L-R: Brent Cooper, Angela Cooper, front L-R: Dale Cooper, Wendy Cooper

1970s, L-R: Jeremy, Tim, Nick, Arthur, Front: Andy

The Bill Cooper Family

More about the six children of Bill and Marly Cooper

Pamela Ann Cooper (Andy)

Andy, the eldest and only girl. She was called Andy because Bill didn’t like the name Pamela and always called her Annie to annoy Marly. Andy couldn’t get her tongue around saying Annie at such a young age, she could only say Andy. Marly was content with the name Andy, therefore she has been called Andy ever since.

At the age of 10, she developed a slipped epiphysis - her hip socket had come out of it's socket due to landing badly when playing netball. This meant she spent at least 6 months in hospital, with ongoing rehabilitation. This experience made her early teenage years quite different from most. She attended Marsden Girls’ Collegiate in Karori, Wellington, a school situated on the former site of her great-grandparents George Sisson and Ellen Cooper’s residence. While studying at Wellington University, Andy met Brian Casey, a Catholic of Irish descent. The two eloped to marry, and Brian, like Andy’s father, was also a lawyer.

When the children were grown, Andy and Brian spent three years in Papua New Guinea where Brian was employed by the Law Reform Commission from 1979-1982 to rewrite the laws so people would understand them.

CHILDREN

Andrew Casey (Reitemeyer) – an intellectual IT professional who spent many years in Germany, married Christel, a German bookkeeper (now deceased). They have one daughter Corina, who now lives in Wellington and is a UX designer..
Simon Casey – has two children - Michael (m. Rebecca) and Sharon (m. Aaron) (Wishnowsky) and six grandchildren from his first marriage to Denise Hutana. Grandchildren – Connie, Boden and Norah Casey, and Lucas, Ayla, Sam Wishnowsky. He now lives in Carterton with his wife Nicky, and Andy lives with them. Simon was a successful businessman who is currently running for the Mayor of Carterton.
Cassandra (Ruth) Casey (Glover) – married Joe Glover and lives at 44C Tasman Rd, once part of the original family property. Ruth and Joe both have a history in the IT industry. They have four children, Casey, Cook Strait Crossing record holder, Mercedes, Krystle and Devin (m. Rebekah), all residing in the Wellington region.

Andy has lived on her own since Brian suddenly passed away in 1992. Often mistaken for the Queen at just over 4 feet tall, she remains sharp and fit in her late 90s. She's still active on social media and aims to reach 100 with the same energy and quick wit she's always had. She’s adored by all her nieces and nephews.

Andy with her mother Marly at 44 Tasman Rd

The Casey Family, younger years - Back LR Andy Cassandra (Ruth), Simon, Brian, Brian, front: Simon

Casey family just before Brian died in 1992. Back L-R: Andy, Brian, Simon, Front: Andrew, Ruth

Arthur David Robert Cooper (David)

The eldest son, David was full of personality. Very close to his brother Tim, he also attended Wellington College and was part of the 1st XV rugby team, as were all the Cooper boys.

After school, David along with his younger brother Tim, worked on farms in South Wairarapa, including Te Awaiti Station and Lagoon Hill, doing fencing and shepherding. Later, he became a primary school teacher.

David's life was cut tragically short by nephritis, a kidney disease. He died at just 28 years old, and his death was a huge blow to the family. Marly poured her grief into building the beautiful stone walls that still surround Marly’s Cottage—a living memory of her deep love and loss.

Timothy Cooper (Tim)

Known as the quiet achiever, Tim was humble, thoughtful, and widely respected. After working alongside his brother David, he became a sheep and beef farmer in the Wairarapa, first working as a shepherd at Pigeon Bush, Featherston, and later managing farms including Waimana, Admiral Station, Hikorangi Station, and Marangai Station.

In 1961, he married Mary Mills, a registered nurse at Masterton Hospital. They were a well-liked couple who shared a love of sport and played many competitive matches in tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Tim also coached his sons’ rugby teams. Tim played in his brother Jeremy’s band on the harmonica in his later years.

CHILDREN

Barbara Cooper (Dobson/Milina) – lives at Ōtaki Beach with husband Dave Milina. They are the current guardians of Marly’s Cottage. Barbara has a daughter and three sons – Anita, Andrew (m. Amy), Paul and Mark Dobson from her first marriage to Barry Dobson, four grandchildren – Jordin and Savannah Fitzpatrick, Conrad and Billie Dobson and six grown stepchildren.
David Cooper – a builder from Masterton, had one daughter, Olivia and tragically died in 2014 at just 50years from a seizure. Like his uncle David, he was a well polished practical joker. He had a big heart, loved family, and left a huge gap in when he passed.
Michael Cooper – electronic engineering project manager lives in Auckland, is married to Janine and has two sons – Jacob and Ryan
Richard Cooper – camera, film and media producer, lives in Wellington with two sons from his first marriage to Nikki Foster – Thomas and Ben, remarried to Dascha and has four stepchildren.

Tm and Mary Cooper were married at St James Church, Lower Hutt, 8 July 1961, the same church as our Riddiford ancestors were married and buried.

The Tim Cooper Family - circa early 1970s, back L-R Tim, Mary, front: David, Barbara Richard, Michael

Keeping the Cottage

In 1982, Tim and Mary purchased Marly’s Cottage along with the rear section of the property. They moved over from the Wairarapa in 1990 while Tim and their son David built a new home at 44C. As a nurse, Mary was there to care for Marly, while also helping to extend and enhance the gardens Marly had so lovingly created. Tim and Mary poured their love and energy into both homes, taking great pride in making the properties beautiful.

"After a brief battle with melanoma, Tim passed away on 1 November 2009. Mary also sadly passed the same way, from melanoma on 10 February 2022.

The common place to gather at Marly's Cottage

The lawn the Cooper boys had to mow by hand has been used for outdoor games such as non-stop cricket, bullrush, badminton, volley ball and massive water fights

44c Tasman Rd, Tim and Mary's home, now home to Joe and Cassandra (Ruth) Glover

Tim and Mary enjoyed further creating and caring for the gardens at Marly's Cottage

Arthur Basil Cooper (Arthur)

Arthur was a daredevil and a mischief-maker, known for flying under bridges and causing just enough chaos to keep Marly on edge. It’s often joked that Arthur was Marly’s favourite, and he happily embraced the title.

Arthur left school to join the merchant navy, then went on to train in the Air Force, later earning his wings with NAC and becoming a long-serving pilot for Air New Zealand. He was Deputy Chairman of the NZ Airline Association during the Erebus disaster, and personally flew the flight recorder to the USA, sitting in on the playback—a moment of great responsibility. More…

He was also the only one of the brothers to have four wives. He had three children with his first wife Beverley Julius (Bev), from Ōtaki and one child with his third wife Liz Jones from Helensville. He has two stepchildren with his current wife of over 30 years – Linda Jenkins.

CHILDREN

Arthur David Brent Cooper (Brent) – a Commonwealth gold medallist in judo, an IT specialist living in Auckland, he has a son and daughter with his previous wife Shoko – Nicky and Jeanni.
Angela Cooper (Wilkinson) – lives with her partner Otto, owns and operates the laundrette in Akaroa, has two daughters and a son in her marriage to Lex – Kelsie (m. Peter Wozniak), Courtney with James and Kane with Claire. Is about to become a grandparent.
Dale Cooper (Jespersen) – lives in Whangārei with her husband Peter, her Mum, and her cat. Has had a career at NZ Herald and has inherited more than a fair share of the family’s fun-loving spirit.
Peter Cooper – lives in Melbourne, is a town planner, married to Belinda, has two sons Ethin and Daragh

Arthur now lives a peaceful life in Speldhurst, Levin with Linda.

Brent winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, Auckland 1990, L-R: Dale Cooper, Brent Cooper, Angela Cooper, Back: Arthur Cooper, Front: Beverley Cooper, Peter Cooper

Arthur and Linda Jenkins-Cooper have been together for over 30 years

George Jeremy Cooper (Jeremy)

Jeremy barely finished Wellington College before marrying Susan Thompson, and together they raised five children. Though he started out in forestry, Jeremy changed careers, worked extremely hard and eventually followed the family path and became a lawyer—just like his father and grandfather. Jeremy has advised many family members over the years.

He established Coopers Law in Levin, which later became Cooper & Co, and today is known as Cooper Campbell Law.

For a time, Jeremy and Susan lived at 44B Tasman Rd, which was part of the original property before Marly subdivided.

Jeremy and Susan’s children:

• Wendy Cooper – a lawyer in London, has two sons with ex-husband Dugald – David McLellan (m. Sophie) and George McLellan (m. Zenna), and one grandchild- Elvira.

• Mark Cooper – a mechanic in Perth, has two sons with his ex-wife Helana Swainson – Nathaniel and Elijah.

• Daniel Cooper – an arborist in Kapiti, with four children – Ivon, Tyler, Sarah and Fleur. He is the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren – Mercedes, Caleb, Matthew, John, and Thora, Adalia and Estelle Cooper.

• Victoria Johnstone – a travel writer in Sunshine Coast, with husband Heath has three daughters Sascha, Briana and Lily.

• Sarah Pape – a photographer living on the outskirts of Palmerston North with husband, two daughters and a son – Sean, Elle, Amber.

Both Victoria and Sarah attended Marsden Girls’ Collegiate in Karori, like their aunt Andy.

Jeremy now lives in Speldhurst, Levin with his second wife Rona (nee Rossiter), a former primary school teacher and fellow music lover. Together, they’ve had their own band and remain active in the local music scene. They are always present at Cooper Camp Cities, and are great participants.

The G J Cooper family L-R: Wendy, Daniel, Jeremy, Sarah, Mark, Susan, Victoria

Jeremy and Rona performing at Cooper Camp City

Harold Nicholas Cooper (Nick)

The youngest of the six, Nick has always been cheerful and laid-back, popular with the nieces and nephews for his playfulness and fun-loving nature. As a child, he helped Marly with her stone walls, often mixing concrete before school.

Nick went on to become a keen gardener, and was featured in NZ Gardener Magazine in June 2023.

After training as an accountant, he married Cathrine Byers, (Cath) a dental nurse. They moved from Wellington to Levin, where Nick co-founded what is now Colbert Cooper & Co.

Their two daughters:

• Anna – deputy principal at a primary school in Levin, and mother to primary school age daughter Bessie.

• Claire – trained as an accountant, represented Scotland in netball, and now lives in Levin with husband Daniel Turner, their daughter and son – Fergus and Fleur.

Anna also also attended Marsden Girls’ Collegiate, following the family tradition.

Nick later met and married Thelma Bell, through their shared love of golf. They now live in Levin. Nick has four grown stepchildren and a grandson Kiwa who lives with them.

Nick and Cath Cooper, married 2 May 1969 in Wanganui

Nick and Thelma's wedding day with Tim and Mary

Family photo from NZ Gardener Magazine L-R: Thelma, Nick, front: Kiwa

Family Traditions

Brothers Night

The descendants of Chummy and Bill Cooper are a close-knit family, with the Cooper brothers in particular sharing a lifelong bond. For many years, they and their wives met monthly, simply to enjoy each other’s company.

Cuzzy Girls Weekend

At Mary Cooper’s wake in 2022, the next generation of girl cousins decided to carry the torch and now meet annually for a “Girls’ Cuzzy Weekend” somewhere in New Zealand or in the future, Australia.

Cooper Camp City

Another treasured tradition is “Cooper Camp City”, a gathering held every alternate year on the 27th December at Marly’s Cottage. It's a day full of tennis, picnics, water fights, BBQs, and the famous “Cuzzies Got Talent” contest. The stakes may be high, but it’s all in the name of family—celebrating the loyalty, humour, and quiet determination that have come to define the Harold Hamilton Riddiford and Arthur Riddiford side of the Cooper family.

Andys 80th just before Tim died, L-R: Jeremy, Thelma, Nick, Rona, Linda, Mary, Arthur, Tim, Andy in front.

Cooper Camp City 'Cuzzy's got Talent' contest

George Sisson Cooper Descendants 2025 Reunion

200th Celebration of George Sisson Cooper’s birth, 5 July 1825

A gathering of the wider Cooper Clan was held in Wellington, July 2025. It was organised by a great-granddaughter of George Sisson Cooper, Lesley Parris (née Cooper). Sadly, Lesley succumbed to a short battle with melanoma, passing away on 16 January 2025. Her brother Paddy took up the baton, and together with his wife Glynis and family helpers, carried through with Lesley’s dream of uniting all the branches of the George Sisson Cooper family tree.

L-R: Ruth Glover (nee Casey) - great great granddaughter of GSC, Paddy Cooper - great grandson of GSC, Charles Cooper great grandson of GSC, Glynis Cooper - Paddy’s wife, Lesley Parris - great great grand-daughter of GSC, Arthur Parris - Lesley’s husband, front, Andy Casey (nee Cooper) great great granddaughter of GSC

The Reunion

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The Reunion *

A gathering at the Art Rooms in Innes House, Marsden Girls Collegiate, was held on the Friday night. This was the former residence of George and Ellen Cooper.

Saturday included visits to Karori Cemetery to pay respects at the graves of George Sisson Cooper and Ellen Chaffers Cooper (née Riddiford). For the ‘Chummy’ Cooper family, it was also a chance to visit the Haselden graves, including Ethel, Bill, Marly, and David Cooper, all located in the Church of England section of the cemetery. We believe that Chummy’s grave may be in Palmerston North—a new journey of discovery awaits.

A further visit was made to St James Church in Lower Hutt to view the graves of the Riddiford family, followed by dinner at a Wellington restaurant to learn more about the family. This added a meaningful layer to the weekend’s reflections and reconnections.

For the descendants of Chummy and Bill, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with our Cooper cousins and learn more about each other’s branches of the family.