The Cricket Albury Wodonga Hall of Famer was farewelled by family, friends, teammates and opponents on Monday, with some travelling far and wide to attend the service at Goombargana Monumental Cemetery.

Long-time friend Ian Kreutzberger recalls Cooper taking him under his wing as a youngster playing senior football for Rand.

"When I started playing senior football Bruce was the trainer," Kreutzberger said.

"We got to play a couple of games together when he came back to help us out when we were short.

"There were 15 and 16-year-old kids playing with 35-year-old blokes in those days, and Bruce was one of those that would always help out.

"When I first came home from school he was on the sports ground committee and it was only him, his father (George) and one other bloke.

"He was very friendly, quick-witted and always up for a joke."

Kreutzberger was also on the receiving end of some tough love.

"One day at cricket we practiced on the main wicket and we had just put new carpet down," he said.

"I went to hook a ball and had my lip split open.

"Bruce walked up and said, 'get out of here, you're ruining the cricket pitch.'"

Cricket became a passion for Cooper, beginning in Coburg before relocating back to Rand in 1949.

His dedication saw him earn life membership with both the Rand Cricket Club and Brocklesby and District Cricket Association.

He holds the longest reign as president of the BDCA, dedicating 22 years to the role, as well as sitting at the helm of the Rand Cricket Club for four terms.

He was Rand's premiership skipper in 1973-74 and holds the title as the club's longest serving captain of 11 seasons.

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Cooper represented the BDCA on 11 occasions and led the side to a Maddison Shield.

His tireless efforts were recognised earlier this year, with his name now etched into CAW history.

"You could have heard a pin drop in the room when he spoke, everyone hung off every word he said," CAW chairman Michael Erdeljac said.

"He was always a gentleman and put everyone else first.

"His cricket ability and stories speak for themselves."

Cooper passed away on Monday, June 14 aged 89.

He's survived by his wife Esmee, children Gary, Russell and Debbie, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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