Fr Norman Cooper is a fondly remembered priest of our Archdiocese who tragically fell to his death on 20 May 1996 climbing in the Cuillins on Skye, while away for a short midweek break in Applecross with fellow priests (David Gemmell, Gerry Hand, Gordon Muchall and Jock Dalrymple).
Norman was born in Falkirk in 1955, and was one of five brothers. He went to St Mungo’s High School, and studied at St Andrew’s College, Drygrange, before being ordained to the priesthood at St Anthony’s, Polmont, in 1980.
He was assistant priest at St John’s Portobello (1980-82), St Francis Xavier’s, Falkirk (1982-5) and St Mary’s Cathedral (1985-1988) before further studies at the Catholic University of America (out of which he emerged as a Doctor of Ministry and the author of a book ‘Collaborative Ministry’.
On his return to the Archdiocese, he served in the Borders and Tranent, as well acting as a consultant on Pastoral Planning.
The 30th anniversary of his death will be marked with a Mass open to anybody who wishes to celebrate the life of, and pray for, a fine and enthusiastic human being and priest. It takes place at 7:00pm on Wednesday 20 May in St John’s, Portobello.
The article photo was taken on the day of his death. He is pictured with Fr Gemmell and Elspeth McPartlin (her father, Dr Gerry McPartlin, is taking the photo).
