The obituary notice of Daryl COOPER

I didn't know Daryl well but I feel like I have always been aware of his presence - he was always a reassuring face on the Exeter scene. The first time I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of interacting with him on a first hand basis was in 1984 when we started at Exeter College. I was a lost and wayward 16 year old and he fed me regularly - curried beans on toast!!!! In hindsight I have always felt he could sense my pain and in a way he was trying to save me. He was such a beautiful empathic soul. I ended up dropping out of college and I saw Daryl from a distance from time to time. I never felt he deserved to be burdened by me so I always kept a distance and fond memories deep within. Then, about 4 years ago I was outside Exeter College (where I now work) and Daryl was walking down the road on the opposite side. We were the only people in the street so I waved not thinking for one minute he would remember me. He crossed the road and immediately addressed me by my name - I was shocked and very emotional after our brief encounter. You have to be a very special human to touch people in the way he did - small things, huge effects. We all need to be a bit more 'Daryl' in this crazy world - showing kindness and care to others means a lot - a beautiful man who I don't believe appreciated the full extent of his power and impact on others. Daryl - Thank you for being you.

Good colleague. Good friend. Absolute nutcase in the most amazing of ways. Made each person he met happier with his bubbly and chaotic personality. Will be missed immensely by so many. The world is just a little bit poorer without him in it. I'm glad we were there to help each other out along the way.

So sorry to hear sad news of Darryl.We use to live next door to him and his lovely family in Park Road. Heavitree .My son Kev and Darryl were best mates at school .Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mrs Sheila Bastin.

Well I am shocked, he was one of my best mates at school, we used to have a sneaky joint at the school discos and go back in off our heads along with the many other high times together. Love ya man and R.I.P. you will ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND MANY OTHERS TOO NO DOUBT.