Former Bermuda Hotel Association president Reggie Cooper has died at the age of 81.

Mr. Cooper, though born in England, was raised in Bermuda. A reserve during the Second World War, he went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Babson College in Massachusetts.

In the early 1950s he rented out rooms in the wing of his home before he bought the Glencoe property in Salt Kettle in 1957. He operated the Paget hotel until he sold it in 1993.

"He loved the hotel business and enjoyed the many friendships he made with a large number of his repeat guests," said his wife of 39 years, Margot.

Mr. Cooper was elected president of the Bermuda Hotel Association in 1991.

"During his tenure he caused us to prevail during many difficult times including the Desert Storm war," current BHA president John Harvey told The Royal Gazette yesterday. "He was a leader in many regards but particularly played a role in ensuring that the highest possible standards in the industry was met in enhanced.

"Reggie Cooper was the consummate hotelier. He was clearly a devoted and professional hotelier who thought first of all of his guests, his employees and about tourism generally in Bermuda."

Mr. Cooper was always a keen sportsman and particularly enjoyed diving and tennis. In the 1960s he organised several yachting events, including the Finn Gold Cup world champions which was one of the first major international events to be held in Bermuda's waters. Mr. Cooper also served as president of the Bermuda Olympic Association from 1972 to 1980.

He was awarded a MBE from the Queen in 1991.

"He was a good, good friend," said Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell. "He was the youngest 80-year-old you ever met. Glencoe was Reggie Cooper. He built the place from almost nothing. Old age never meant a thing to him. He lived life to the fullest."

Mr. Cooper is survived by his wife Margot, his three children and two grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for next week.