I have very fond memories of Bernard. As Headteacher of Cams Hill School in Fareham I worked with Bernard for 16 Years. We both trained in D&T around the same time (although I didn't know Bernard back then) and we had both worked through so many changes in Education through our careers. When I first became Headteacher and thereafter it was so good to chat to Bernard because he really understood the challenges of leadership, of doing well by the pupils and supporting colleagues to do well. We connected straight away! He kindly put up with my grumbling (about Headteacher stuff!) when we met and we always came up with a plan! He was well informed, creative and purposeful. I really valued his help, support and advice. He was always positive, generous with his time, clever, charming and what a great sense of humour. Bernard really 'made a difference'. I recently saw Bernard by chance at the checkout (he was three aisles down) in Sainsburys in Eastleigh. I had inadvertently bumped my 5yr old grand daughter on the head with a bag of groceries and when she let out an almighty howl every body around us seemed to stop, go quiet and stare! I then noticed Bernard grinning, he came over, we laughed and in his wryly humorous way he pondered aloud whether it was a matter for social services-we laughed and Isabella stopped crying. We chatted, exchanged updated contacts and went our separate ways. I will alway remember Bernard as as one of those rare thoroughly nice people you meet 'on the way'. Thank you Bernard

Bernard Cooper – A Lovely Man I have known Bernard for the 10 years that I have been a teacher and he is truly one of the nicest kindest people I have ever met. I wish I had known him for longer. Having lost my own dad when I was school age, everyone will understand why I looked to Bernard for advice, support and friendship – all of which he gave freely. In terms of DT he was an inspiration, I never left a DT conference without being full of enthusiasm and I never left a DT cluster meeting without a smile on my face. There was always something to laugh about. Bernard was also our school inspector and I always looked forward to his visits – which says it all! Bernard also offered (when asked) advice on life in general and whenever we met we discussed his grandchildren and my children and sharing a common bond in the joy they gave us. It was just a few months ago when I was given the job of looking after him at a Dylan Williams Conference at our school. He laughed and said he didn’t need looking after but that he and his wife had just had the grandchildren for the weekend - we had a lot to talk about and I will remember that day forever. I was absolutely shocked to hear of his death and can only offer my sincere condolences to his wife and family. He will be missed terribly by so many and I would like to thank him for everything he did to help me. Caren Reid

Dear Bernard, You were such a genuine, kind hearted and gentle man whose smile and positive manner made you a pleasure to be around. I'm at a loss to to describe the sadness we feel, for ourselves having lost a family friend, and for your brilliant wife and your three children who are a wonderful testament to you and Ann. The memories I have of us growing up alongside them are nothing but positive. You made everyone feel at ease in your presence and I'll always remember the laughter shared. For me it was then a bonus to cross paths with you at work too. I remember a colleague raving about an inspiring DT support meeting run by a great bloke, and how proud I felt to say I knew you. Everyone who met you immediately felt the warmth and care you had for others, the passion for your work, and the love for your family above everything else. Your success as a family man has inspired me the most and I'll hold dear the words of wisdom you shared with me when I was to become a parent myself. You will always be remembered fondly, Bernard, and missed hugely. May you continue to be around us in the countless happy memories that your loved ones and colleagues have of you. Rest in peace. With love, Jo Hine and family xxx