BUSINESS NEWS
Photo credit : Skydive Netheravon
A TRIBUTE TO JULIE COOPER a friend to all in life and in business by Anita Jaynes , Editor
It is with regret that I have to share with The Business Exchange readers that we have lost one of the most cherished members of our business community , Julie Cooper , Media Manager for Skydive Netheravon . Julie passed away on Tuesday 23rd March following a short illness .
Sometimes in life you come across extraordinary people and Julie was one of them . Her zest for life and positive attitude was infectious . Julie was entirely selfless and did so much for so many . In the last year Julie picked up the phone ( more than once ) to check that I was OK through lockdown . She did this for many friends too and remained cheery throughout , telling me about her daily walks around Corsham and how she couldn ’ t wait to get back to doing what she did best - networking and connecting people through her work at Skydive Netheravon and as Chair of Bath Business Women ’ s Association ( BBWA ).
In January , Julie took part in our Keeping Positive Through Lockdown 3.0 series and shared her tips on staying upbeat . She said , “ I ’ ve found picking up the phone and talking to my friends and family is a tonic itself , you can have a moan , but it ’ s more likely that you end up laughing with someone . Laughter certainly makes life a lot more bearable in difficult situations .”
Julie also wrote many other poignant words in this piece including :
“ Remembering to ‘ treat people as you would like to be treated ’ has always served me well .”
“ Material things don ’ t really matter , it ’ s the people that count .”
Julie certainly lived , laughed and loved . Through these hard times I think we should all follow Julie ’ s mantra .
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Many business friends have shared their tributes …
“ Julie was truly a superwoman , a loving wife , mother and grandmother who adored all her family , an inspirational leader of BBWA for many years , the most amazing funny bubbly and kind friend that anyone could wish to have . We shared many a laugh and should have had many more , you have been taken way too soon ! My love and thoughts are with all her family at this very sad time . Rest in peace my gorgeous friend .” Bev Lee , Clayzer Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
“ I ’ ve had the privilege of being able to call Julie a friend since we were on the BBWA committee together in around 2005 . From committee meetings , boules tournaments and BBWA events Julie ’ s laughter , enthusiasm , sense of mischief and ability to make friends and connections marked her out as someone very special . I am so glad that despite everything that the last year has thrown at us that we were able to see her in person to celebrate her 70th . It is a testament to Julie how she managed to unite a group of women of different ages and walks of life . All meetings and events were chaired with tact and diplomacy and ensured everyone was welcomed and included into the group . Our Zoom networking sessions have been one of the highlights of lockdown for me . Our lives are better for having had the pleasure of knowing her and she will be greatly missed .” Angela Emms
“ Julie was the person you looked for first at any business event so you could have a cuddle , a sweetie and a good old laugh . She was an incredible lady , beautiful inside and out and the kindest person you could meet . I feel privileged to have been one of her many friends and it just won ’ t be the same without her . Rest in Peace lovely Julie . x ” Sian Swift , The Business Exchange
“ Julie was an integral part of the APA team . She always had a smile on her face and would go above and beyond to ensure everyone was looked after . She is leaving behind a massive hole here at the APA and we are truly devastated by her passing . She will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with her family at this time .” The team at Skydive Netheravon , Home of the Army Parachute Association
“ If ever there was a woman who everyone loved , it was Julie . A real force of nature , she threw herself into everything she did with an infectious enthusiasm for life . There was no one kinder or more loving , no one more hard working or more energetic , no one more dedicated to helping her friends and family . And while it seems impossible that she is no longer with us , we must continue her legacy to “ treat people as we would want to be treated ”. In short , to be “ more Julie .” Lizzie Heffer , Marketing Manager , Thrings