Robert Cooper

Condolences to the family. I am just learning of his passing. I was privileged to work for Bob in the Chaplin's office while young 20s as the secretary for a bit while working on my degree. I learned all the green habits from Bob like running tap 1st thing to get out the sediment buildup and recycling envelopes from other mail inserts. He was always helping me navigate life as I juggled school. I prepared the "Perspective" (I think that was the newsletter name) on important topics by...

The news of Bob Cooper´s death signaled not only a great personal loss but the end of an era. For over forty years he was a dear friend, an endless inspiration, and a supreme example of what W.H. Auden believed was the measure of a life: "Be kind. Be Kind. Be Kind." Bob was. Although he could be a magnificent public speaker, as he was at the funeral of Bill McElvaney, he will remain permanently in the hearts of those who loved him for the innumerable quieter moments, in my case of lunch time...

Condolences to Gary and all members of the family. Bob was beloved in so many circles; I remember him from years of community volunteer work in human rights since the 80s, as well as my years at SMU and attending the Robert O. Cooper Peace and Justice Fellowship Lectures. May his memory be a blessing.

I knew Bob and Shirley mostly through their son Gary, a good friend. I worked with Bob on numerous social justice and human rights concerns through the years- he always brought his spirit of readiness and reflection to most anything. Go in peace, Bob. I know you´ll never stop working for that Beloved Community you loved.

A profoundly decent, principled man who inspired many generations of SMU students, as well as his colleagues on the faculty and staff. During my first few years at SMU in the early 80s, he was instrumental in helping me understand the implications and scope of a commitment to social justice.

Bob was a gentle man with a fierce commitment to love, justice and peace. His ministry spoke through his actions and commitment. May his legacy be remembered and continue through those of us who knew Bob and Shirley. God bless him.

Bob will truly be missed by members of Casa Emanuel. He and Shirly commitment to the church was a true inspiration to all. May you rest in peace my brother. Garza/Robledo Family

Bob was the first SMU "official" I met as a freshman in 1967. He took a group of us out to White Rock Lake for a sack lunch picnic. Our lives touched now and then as we both spent the next many decades at SMU. I remember Bob as a man who walked the walk and practiced what he preached; as a person who loved all whom he encountered, who was kind, considerate and compassionate; It seems he always had a story and a smile. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and many friends.