Condolences
I don't read obituaries in newspapers so I had no idea that Betty had died. I did not hear the sad news from anyone else. However, I had lost touch with her for several years and the blame for that rests with me alone. I let my busy life serve as an excuse for not reaching out. Thus learning just over a year ago of her death, profoundly saddened me. How I wish I had known. Simply put, she was dynamism personified. Her boundless energy and high standards combined to create in her students at Mount Royal, an abiding drive to become better. Better broadcasters to be sure, but far more importantly, better people. I had, for many years, enjoyed occasional lunches with Betty and lengthy phone conversations. My last memory of her was at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Broadcasting Program at Mount Royal. At that time she was honoured by a standing ovation by the throngs of graduates she taught. She deserved that and so much more. Thank-you to the Cooper family for sharing her with all of us. Someday I will come to terms with the fact I was not present to say goodbye to the most profound influence I had in my broadcasting career and my life. This however, is not that day. I waited too long to say farewell.
Lloyd and I were both graduates of MRC's Broadcasting program in the late 1970's and are part of "Betty's Brood." I've told many people over the years what an incredible mentor she was to me. I learned so much from Betty, and I've use the skills and knowledge my entire career. I also have tremendous respect for the pioneering role she played in Alberta's fledgling broadcasting industry- paving the way for young women like me, to follow in her footsteps and benefit from the possibilities she helped create. Betty steered me towards my first job with the CBC and I kept in touch with her for many years. She would always listen to how I was doing with my career. And then, ever the mentor, she would say "Now Kathy, what you must do next..." I am so grateful the Universe placed her in my path.
I have many memories with Betty. Radio shows on CBC AND CONCERTS. She promoted publicity on her show about deaf chiidren and helped our organization to flourish in Calgary. She is s often in my thoughts Beryl
Hello...and my deepest condolences to Betty Cooper's family. I had to write to tell you that her service was the most memorable I've ever attended and I'm sure your mother would be proud! I was a 17-year-old radio broadcasting student at Mount Royal College (!) when I met Betty and spent two years learning from one of the best, toughest and most amazing teachers I've ever had. I was then lucky to spend 30 years working in radio at ten stations across the country, including morning shows in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver. I was also told on several occasions that I had "one of the best radio voices", and that was thanks to Betty's excellent direction and high expectations of all her students. A part of me always pondered if Betty ever heard me "on the air" and wondered what she would have had to say, if I was ever to meet her again, however, her work with me spoke for itself. Thanks, Betty, for changing my life and as they used to say in the biz, "it's been a splice"!
Betty Cooper changed my life. in 1978, I was an 18 year old first year Broadcasting student from Yorkton Saskatchewan. Betty was our instructor for creative writing, so in Broadcasting, commercials, documentaries ,etc. When I met Betty, I was astounded . I thought my Mom, Hilda Law was the toughest woman I knew. I was wrong. Like Mom, Betty didn't pity me and expected more of me than I could believe. You see, I was born without arms and I graduated with Honours in 1980 from MRC Broadcasting. Thanks Betty Cooper for the gift of you.
She was one of my instructors at Mount Royal when I took Broadcasting. She was tough on us, but she always just wanted the best for all her students. I will always remember she never tolerated being late for her class and no excuse was good enough. That was until the day she arrived late to one of her classes and said she "tripped up the stairs" and scattered all her books everywhere. Boy did the class have fun with that one. Your voice was in the back of my mind many times over the years in radio, thank you Betty.
Our sincere condolences to the Cooper family on Betty's passing. We will remember with fondness the New Years gatherings in Ft. MacMurray - the games, the fun the laughter and the time making memories.
Bill, sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. When I read the obit today, I smiled thinking about good times at your house in the late 70's. She certainly provided some sense of home-away-from-home for me in my first couple years in Calgary. I'm still grateful for that. I'm out of the country & don't get back to Calgary until late Thursday, so won't be able to make her funeral. Sorry for that. If you want to connect, feel free with email or phone 403-689-0899. Don Goodrow
Dear Betty - so many good memories of your mentoring, friendship, teaching, employment and support. You gave me courage in my leave from Canada to start-up in my difficult new life in the Cooks. Your offer of an open ticket back to Canada and a job with you made many hardships bearable. It was good to visit you at Providence and renew our friendship. May your onward journey be blessed as you've blessed me. Fond thoughts to your family and best wishes for their strength at this time of your leaving.
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Cooper family. Your Mom, our dear Aunt Betty will be sadly missed. We will always remember the happy times we had with her. We have always admired her for her great strengths & accomplishments. Love, Tom & Sherry Ramsay & Family
Mrs. Cooper was a mentor and teacher from a very young age. She taught me discipline, courage, and fostered a lifelong love of the spoken word that still lives with me to this day. She always had faith in me even when I didn't have faith in myself. Thank you, Mrs. Cooper! Sending my thoughts and prayers to Betty's family.
Dear Bill, Terry, Bob, and families, We were saddened to hear of your mother's death, although she had a long and wonderfully productive life. She was a great mentor to me when I was younger, always suggesting performance and educational ideas, coaching for Trinity exams, and being very positive about my choices. She and my mother had a great friendship--I remember when they travelled to England together in 1983. My wife Marla and daughter Jessie join me in sending our condolences. I am sorry I am not able to attend the service because I am away this week adjudicating a speech and drama festival in Vancouver. Grant Paterson
With sadness but warm memories, I will miss my dear aunt. We became good friends and she was a wonderful mentor and kind support. My love and condolences to the family.
My sincere condolences to Betty's family. I was a student of Betty's, way back in 1976, when I was enrolled in public relations at Mount Royal College. My career path took a different route, resulting in my spending an additional 11 years in post-secondary. I have therefore had many, many instructors and I count Betty amongst the very best. She was just wonderful - very smart, vibrant, highly skilled and approachable. After all these years, I still remember her and always will. Thank you Betty! You were just terrific!
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