1973 – GORDON RICHARD COOPER, Development Worker, 30

Gordon Cooper of 37, East Street, Scarcliffe, usually worked the night shift at No.2 Pit, because of the irregular bus services to Markham from his home, but had agreed to a spell on the day-shift.  His widow, Pauline, said “Monday was to be his first day on the new shift”.  A miner for over fourteen years, he had been transferred from Oxcroft Colliery only three months prior.  He left a widow, two daughters, Deborah, seven and Kerry, five, and a two-year-old son, Shane.  He was buried at Scarcliffe.

Gordon was commemorated in December 2015. The location of the artwork can be found in zone 4 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.

Derbyshire Times 3rd August 1973

Mr. Gordon Cooper, (30) of 37, East Street, Scarcliffe, usually worked the night shift at No.2 Pit, because of the irregular bus services to Markham from his home, but had agreed to a spell on the day-shift. His widow , Pauline, said “Monday was to be his first day on thew new shift”. A miner for over 14 years, he was among several victims of Monday’s disaster who had been transferred from Oxcroft Colliery only three months ago. He leaves a widow, two daughters, Deborah (7) and Beverley (5), and a two-year-old son, Shaun.

• Please note the Derbyshire Times account above incorrectly recorded the names of Gordon’s children which should have read Deborah, Kerry and Shane.

To view a filmed interview with Shane Cooper about Gordon, Richard Cooper click here. 

Further Information

Markham Colliery 1973 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1973 disaster.

If you have any information to contribute to the research please contact us.