He was a polished public speaker and had an engaging wit, but was also a hard worker who realised success didn't come without effort.
Soon after Mr Cooper was diagnosed with the cancer that was to claim his life I interviewed him at his home in the company of his wife Alix.
His bravery in the face of learning he had an incurable illness was more than just touching, it was sobering.
Mr Cooper had weighed up his options.
He could simply roll over, give up to the illness and sink into a morass of depression and misery or set his jaw, face up to the future take the best out of life and fight.
That's what he did, Craig Cooper proved he was no quitter.
In the intervening years from diagnosis until his death Mr Cooper had to face many trials, medical and no doubt emotional ones.
But he soldiered on, continued to play a full part in the community respecting his family and friends and at all times displayed a compassion for others.
A funeral service for Mr Cooper will be held at Rathkeale College on Monday.
Allan Pollard, chief executive Trust House, described Mr Cooper as an " absolutely selfless character who was really committed to the Wairarapa community".
"He and I met when I first came to Masterton in 2003 as Trust House General-Manager Operations.
"Craig was the community support manager and was outstanding in that role, you couldn't have asked for anyone better. Over the years he was a trustee, a director, president of Masterton Licensing Trust and chairman of both the charitable trust and Trust House Foundation.
"Trust House will be forever in his debt but it also amazed me how much work in the community Craig did of his own volition for no remuneration at all.
"Craig was my mentor. He helped me through my honeymoon period as the chief executive and we continued to meet every week from then on."
Jeanine Gribbin, centre manager Wairarapa Cancer Society, said Mr Cooper was "the star of Relay for Life".
"The year he chaired Relay for Life turned out to be the most financially successful one we had.
"Both he and Alix have been fantastic supporters of the cancer society - amazing supporters in fact.
"Surviving cancer is a journey and Craig was on that journey for a long time, during which he was an inspiration to us all.
"My lasting memories of Craig will be of his generosity and his kindness."
Bob Francis, chairman of Pukaha Mt Bruce, said the passing of Mr Cooper who had served for two years on the board was "a massive loss for Wairarapa".
"Although he had been unwell he was very much in his prime and still had untapped potential as a community leader.
"His contribution to Wairarapa was outstanding over many areas and a lot of the work he did was unpaid.
"As chair of the Masterton Licensing Trust's Charitable Trust Craig showed he was emerging as a very effective chairman and, of course, he had enormous public speaking and communication skills."
Paul Joblin, former regional manager for Property Brokers, said Mr Cooper would do "anything for anyone".
"He was a conscientious sort of guy who helped everyone out, and was very fair minded.
"In the eight years he worked for us we never had anyone - vendors or purchasers - who rang and said they were unhappy with what he did.
"Craig was a great team player, a real company man and a good communicator.
" People trusted him hugely.
"His smile was infectious, he had twinkling eyes and great teeth."
Philip Morrison, Golden Shears president, said Mr Cooper set himself high standards and always tried to reach and maintain them.
"I have known Craig since he was a boy.
"His parents farmed only 8km away from me and although they were dairy farmers they had a few sheep I used to shear for them. Craig joined the Hukanui Young farmers Club and got right into that.
"He did everything well, that's without question and Craig was easy to work with and happy to share his knowledge.
"He was co-opted onto the Golden Shears Committee in 1990, was vice-president from 2004-2008 and was MC from 1990 right through to last year apart from 2008/2009 when he was away having treatment."
