Newtonmore's respects to one of its finest ambassadors
Tributes flowed this week to Bert Cooper – Bertie to his very many friends – who for so many years was regarded as one of Badenoch’s finest ambassadors and, not least, a legend of its ceilidh band heritage.
Indeed, shinty legend John Mackenzie confirmed: “Bertie was one of our community’s everlasting and strongest ambassadors.”
Mr Cooper’s daughter Shirley had posted the sad news on Monday that at 93 ‘my dear father left us today at 12.50pm and is now at peace with my dear mam Marjory’.
“This is very sad news indeed,” said Mr Mackenzie.
Bertie’s lifelong skills in tradesmanship, musicality and people management are firmly placed in the history of Badenoch and its surrounds, he affirmed.
“Profound condolences to Shirley and the wider family. from all at Badenoch Shinty Memories. RIP Bert, you were much respected by all.”
Fellow musican and Newtonmore villager Dave MacIntosh added his own tribute: “A sad farewell today to the legendary Bert Cooper, the only man I have ever made music with in a horse stable.”
Another local music favourite, Davy Holt, remembered Bertie as ‘a lovely man. One of the finest. Hopefully he’ll be enjoying a dram up there with his pals’.
In fact, Advie-born Mr Cooper and his brother John spent their childhood years in the Aberlour area.
Shirley recalled: “He used to go into Walkers of Aberlour to get a bag of broken shortbread on his way to school.
“I remember us going back into the shop and cafe a few years ago – and he asked the girl if they still did the same!”
The family had moved to Biallid in the Laggan Road and Biallid Beg when Bert was older and before he married.
Shirley said: “He served his time with McGillivray/Fraser & Company and did his National Service with the Royal Engineers.
“Dad said he was lucky, as he was given the job if doing carpentry on the Captain’s boat!
“One night in London he missed his train back to base and had to wander the streets of London but he was given cups of coffee at various points as he was a Jock!”
She explained how her father had moved the family south in later years: “We moved down to Clackmannanshire in the early 1960s due to lack of work in the area.
“Dad had been forced to travel away from home a lot of the time, and decided it was best to move to where the work was.
“He continued to entertain with the box throughout his years in the Wee County, as he achieved his dream to become Clerk of Works with Clackmannan District Council.”
In an interview with Newtonmore’s NQ magazine at 81, Bert reminisced: “I started learning accordion at seven and I’m still learning! I used to cycle to Laggan with my box on straps, to play with Willie Cuthbert.
“I was 16 when I joined the Newtonmore Dance Band and really enjoyed it...”
After serving as Clerk for the rest of his working years, Bert finally retired and moved back ‘home’ to Badenoch and his beloved Newtonmore.
“He became involved with the Clan MacPherson Museum,” said Shirley. “And he thoroughly enjoyed his time there, meeting people from all over the world and telling them the history of the museum.”
Mr Cooper was made an honorary member of the clan in thanks for his dedication. He also enjoyed long involvement with the Highland Folk Park and he still went out entertaining the old folks with his music pals.
Bert was for very many year a stalwart supporter of Newtonmore Shinty Club, his devotion continuing into his senior years. And even during his time at the Wade Centre in Kingussie, he did not want to miss a game.
Shirley remembered: “Throughout the years he always was adamant that he won first prize at Newtonmore Primary School, where he met (later marrying) my late mother Marjory.
“They were a loving, devoted couple and family was always their top priority.”
His last two years were spent at the Wade Centre in the Badenoch capital, where the staff became his second family.
“They loved and cared for him to the end,” said Shirley.
Bert is survived by son Gary, daughter Shirley, granddaughters Melanie and Rae, and great granddaughters Finley, Faith, Lacey and Beth.
