Passing of Harry Cooper

Perthshire Brass members gathered with the family and friends of Harry Cooper at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Perth on Friday 19^th September to honour the life of a man who made a positive impact on a huge amount of people. In a packed church, emotional tributes to Harry were made by Pastor Ian Wills, friend Sir Brian Souter, and Harry’s twin brother Herbert. The band led rousing congregational hymns "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven", and the Salvation Army anthem "O Boundless Salvation", and of course performed a wide selection of Harry’s favourite pieces including many by his son Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

Harry joined Perthshire Brass in 2019, and quickly became a mainstay at concerts, contests and even our online activities during lockdown. His compassionate personality was evident in everything he did, but most notably in the way he encouraged younger and less experienced players. His cancer diagnosis in June 2023 was put to one side as he jumped on the tour bus a few weeks later, and perhaps created some of our happiest memories of him when we played 10 concerts in our twin city of Aschaffenburg, laughing and smiling all the way there and back.

Harry was a very popular member of the band, and made such a huge impact on so many of us that we have decided to honour his memory by presenting the Harry Cooper Superstar Award at our forthcoming annual concert. This will be presented by his wife Lorraine, along with the other player awards. Lorraine has promised to continue attending band events and his sons Paul and Nigel, and the wider family,  know that they will always be welcome to stop by the bandroom any time.