Honoring His Honour

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — The courtroom at the Mason County Courthouse was full today, but not for a court case. Instead, it was full of well-wishers who came to honor Judge Richard I. Cooper, who has served as 51st Circuit Court judge since 1979. Judge Cooper will retire on Dec. 31 and will be replaced by Susan Sniegowski, who won the November election.

Bruce Kilmer of the Michigan Supreme Court administrative office, presented Judge Cooper with a resolution from the state Supreme Court. “They passed this resolution by a 7-0 vote, with no dissents,” Kilmer said jokingly.

“Many many people have walked through this courtroom,” Kilmer said. “Judge Cooper cares for every person who has appeared in front of him. He has always had the understanding of the power he has as a judge and has used that power to help people. It’s been a real pleasure to work with him.

“Judge Cooper brings to this job a knowledge not just for law books but a vast experience in life. Whether it’s skiing or playing in the Scottville Clown Band, he has a variety of interests. Those kinds of experiences has helped him relate to people who have appeared in front of him.”

Cooper was also honored by the Mason County Bar Association and the Mason County Board of Commissioners.