Cohen Vincent Oswald

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Biografie:
Vincent Oswald Cohen, M.C. 1912-1984
Vincent Cohen, who joined the Club in 1961, died in 1984 after a long illness. He was also a member of the Association of British Members of the Swiss Alpine Club which he joined in 1930. His nephew, John Cohen, also became a member of the Club and of the ABMSAC.
Vincent first visited the Alps at the age of sixteen with his French master from Bancroft's School. This gave him an abiding interest in the mountains and thereafter he went to the Alps as often as he could. As a young man he used his talents as an artist to help to finance his climbing, painting pictures and selling them while he was on holiday. During this period he climbed extensively in the Alps and did some routes with Josef Knubel as his guide.
During the war Vincent was commissioned in the 1st Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery. It was ironical that, following rigorous training for mountain warfare, he took part in the landings at Walcheren. These landings involved heavy fighting and casualties and Vincent was awarded the Military Cross.
Had economics allowed, Vincent would have followed a career as a painter but he was forced to utilise his talents in the commercial field. After spells with the de la Rue organisation and other concerns, Vincent joined Metal Box where he was Design Manager at the time of his early retirement due to ill health.
Vincent was a very popular President of the ABMSAC in 1966-68. In this office he was most ably supported by his wife Kay and together they formed an outstanding team.
Tragically, it was during his Presidency of the Association that the illness which was to incapacitate Vincent first manifested itself. During the Association Meet at Fafleralp in 1967 Vincent collapsed on an ascent of the Bietschhorn although the nature of his illness was not then appreciated. He walked vigorously during the Association Meet in the following year but again experienced difficulties which were subsequently diagnosed as multiple sclerosis.
Vincent was a man of many interests. His photographic slides were of high quality and he considered it a great compliment when Waiter Kirstein borrowed one of them for a lecture tour in North America.
Although he was unable to leave his flat in his later years, Vincent never lost his love of the mountains and his interest in his fellow mountaineers. He continued to follow the affairs of the Club with great interest. In fact, his last visit to the Club was to speak in favour of the merger with the Ladies' Alpine Club, which he insisted on doing notwithstanding that his illness was by then causing him considerable discomfort.
His many friends will remember Vincent as a man of great charm, humanity, courage and humour. These qualities, together with the devotion of Kay, helped to sustain him during his long period of disability. Our sympathy goes to Kay and to his other relatives.
Maurice Bennell
Quelle: Alpine Journal Volume 90, 1985, Seite 285-286



Geboren am:
1912
Gestorben am:
1984