Legs, Leadership & Legacy traces the extraordinary life of John Cooper OAM?a humble country boy from Manjimup who defied debilitating illness as a teenager to become a respected footballer, administrator, banker, and community servant.
Told with admiration and candour, this story reveals how John's early battle with osteomalacia and a lengthy hospital stay never dimmed his spirit. Refusing to accept medical advice against playing contact sports, he returned to football with fierce determination. Eventually playing 122 games for Swan Districts, John made his mark as a tough and reliable back-pocket defender?often recognised by his uneven stride due to different-sized boots necessitated by childhood illness.
But it was after his playing days that John's greatest contributions emerged. His leadership across seven decades helped guide Swan Districts Football Club through some of its most defining moments?as treasurer, secretary, president, and later, revered elder. His advocacy for keeping coach John Todd in 1980 directly paved the way for a premiership trifecta.
Beyond football, John carved a successful 38-year career in banking, led in local government, and served the WA Football Commission and numerous community and church organisations. His character?grounded in fairness, loyalty, and faith?made him a beloved figure across generations.
The honours speak volumes: an OAM, Sports Medal, Centenary Medal, WAFL and Swan Districts Hall of Fame inductions, and the stand that bears his name at Bassendean Oval.
But John's true legacy is not in titles or tributes?it's in his unwavering service, his example of resilience, and the countless lives he touched.
Autorentext
About the Author
It might be said that the expression "Jack of all trades and master of none" is an apt description of Peter J Snow OAM.
He abandoned pursuit of an engineering degree and accounting qualifications ? but his efforts will leave an extraordinary legacy.
He attributes this to the training, skills and self-confidence he gained through membership of JCI (formerly known as Jaycees International) after joining Fremantle Jaycees in 1970.
Obstacles encountered dented (but certainly not overwhelmed) his positive approach and desire to help and mentor others. His vision, entrepreneurial skills and contribution to his community over 70+ years (some of which are referred to in this book) have resulted in a myriad of awards.
International awards for programs developed or overseen by him include: national public relations; awards; fundraising; group collaboration; commercial education; and assistance to the handicapped.
Personal awards include: Voluntary Contribution to Western Australian Heritage; Honorary Tarheel of North Carolina; a Paul Harris fellowship from Rotary; and Community Torchbearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
In addition to being recognised as Outstanding Senator of JCI, Outstanding National Officer and one of the World's Inspiring Jaycees, he was Australian Jaycees (JCIA) first Ambassador in Western Australia and one of the state's Five Outstanding Young Australians.
Along with a JCI Senatorship, he holds life memberships of 8 community or sporting organisations and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the Australian community. In 2025 he was awarded Life Membership of JCIA.