Godspeed to George William Cooper, Activist and Purveyor of Kindness: One Year Later

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary, ,
A smiling George with his wife Solita. This is a special photo because George wasn’t fond of having his picture taken. Thanks to Solita for sharing it.

This is the first death anniversary of George Cooper, who passed away peacefully at his home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia a year ago today. I had the good fortune to visit George, whom I had known for nearly 25 years, to his surprise and delight. It was a time to provide some comfort and bid him farewell. Follow this link to read the long-form essay I wrote in George’s memory after returning to Hanoi: Godspeed to George William Cooper, Activist and Purveyor of Kindness.

In the past year, there have been many times when I have thought of sending George an email, CCing him on one, or sending him a text message on Telegram. I miss not being able to ask for his advice or to share something important with him.

Thank you for being a friend, George. It was my pleasure and honor to know. Your generous spirit lives on in the many people you helped and whose lives you touched. We will miss you always.

Peace, MAA

2 thoughts on “Godspeed to George William Cooper, Activist and Purveyor of Kindness: One Year Later”

  2. Here’s ChatGPT’s analysis of my essay: 🕊️ 1. Who was George William Cooper?

    The essay opens with a poignant snapshot: Cooper passed away on November 30, 2022, at nearly 76 years of age, in Phnom Penh, succumbing to a recurrence of lung cancer that metastasized to his brain nma.gov.au+8markashwill.com+8counterpunch.org+8. Ashwill, a longtime friend and activist based in Southeast Asia, frames Cooper as a deeply empathetic and action-oriented figure. 2. Core Themes and Tone

    • Kindness as a guiding principle: The central motif is Cooper’s consistent “purveying of kindness” — not empty sentiment, but lived through activism and solidarity.
    • Moral clarity over neutrality: Ashwill invokes Desmond Tutu’s words — neutrality in injustice equates to siding with the oppressor — aligning Cooper with that moral conviction muckrack.com.
    • Global solidarity rooted in personal bonds: Cooper’s activism spanned local land-rights efforts and international human rights, from Vietnam to Cambodia, reflecting his deeply relational approach to justice and community.

    3. What sets this tribute apart?

    Unlike purely chronological obituaries, Ashwill’s essay interweaves personal memory with political reflection:

    • It resists reductive heroism, portraying Cooper as both flawed and treasured.
    • It avoids grandstanding; instead offering intimate anecdotes — shared meals, late-night talks — that capture the texture of their friendship.
    • It situates Cooper within a line of principled activists, likening him to others Mark has written about, such as Don Luce of “Tiger Cages” fame markashwill.com+2markashwill.com+2muckrack.com+2.

    4. Writing Style and Effectiveness

    • The prose is warm and unpretentious, conveying affection without saccharine overtones.
    • Repetition of “purveyor” and “kindness” reinforces Cooper’s legacy as more than episodic — it was his essence.
    • The lack of sensationalism lets the substance of his life speak: a life lived across borders, rooted in justice.

    5. Author’s Purpose and Broader Message

    Ashwill’s tribute functions on dual levels:

    • A personal farewell to a friend and comrade.
    • A call to arms — urging readers to see kindness not as a weakness, but as a force for justice and solidarity. The post’s concluding “Shalom” underscores a commitment to peace, layered with personal warmth.

    ✍️ Final Thoughts

    Ashwill crafts a moving portrait of an activist whose legacy lives not just in his deeds, but in his manner of living: with steadfast compassion, community-minded action, and moral clarity. It’s a call to reimagine activism not as grandiose protest, but as everyday kindness amplified by conviction and solidarity. The essay leaves readers with a sense of both loss and inspiration — a challenge and an invitation to carry forward Cooper’s ethos.

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