20 February 05 - Brian Cookman
Taken from Tai Chi Union News website
Brian Cookman one our long-standing members passed away on Friday 18th February 2005 at Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge, at the age of 59.
Brian emailed me early January after returning from holiday in South Africa. During his holiday he became aware of some pains and following a scan discovered he has cancerous growths. Despite this harsh news he remained (at least of the surface) in very good spirits and asked friends and fellow taiji players to meditate to help him through his difficult times.
In the early days of the Union’s magazine Brian helped me out with professional layout advice and was always on hand when I needed to learn some new software. On a few occasions he happened to be in Glasgow on business and we met now and again for a few drinks and a chat. At the last Tai Chi Caledonia he was delighted to be invited to teach at the weekend and by all accounts his work was very well received by all who attended his courses. Brian also contributed much to the Tai Chi Health Forum. Despite my Scottish roots I had a great affection for Brian’s qualities which to me, in a true sense, carried the very essence of a English gentleman. In all my dealings with Brian he was friendly, helpful with never a bad word to say for anyone. His passing is sad loss to the internal arts community.
Ronnie Robinson
Secretary. TAI CHI UNION NEWS