A community is grieving after a beloved retired teacher died following a tractor rollover in Oxford Mills Wednesday.
Edward Cooper, 67, called “Ted” for short, was attempting to remove a portion of a tree with a tractor at his home. During the removal, the tractor rolled over and pinned him underneath.
Cooper was a popular man in Kemptville who everyone knew simply as “Mr. Cooper.”
“The community is poorer for his loss given that people like Ted, and educators like Ted, don’t come by very often,” said Graeme Roy.
Cooper’s legacy is already symbolized by the Ted Cooper Award for Sportsmanship awarded to students at South Branch Elementary School. The award was established in 1998.
Cooper’s former colleagues say they learned many valuable lessons from him.
“I think because he loved it so much anyone that worked with him just couldn’t help but love their job,” said teacher Angie Ross.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
