If ever a familiar face existed that the community could instantly recognize and appreciate, the face would be that of Bristow’s own Dr. Chip Cooper. This Friday, he will be retiring, but for the last 43 years, he has dedicated his time and efforts to creating a healthier, more active, more involved, and better-connected community.
Through his work for the last four decades as family physician to his work founding the Wildflower Run more than thirty years ago and running it since, Dr. Cooper built a core community of exercise and health-conscious residents within Bristow. He practices what he preaches, getting out and remaining active. Each year, he harnesses his energy to elevate excitement about being active among the children of the community in anticipation and preparation for the annual Wildflower 5K Run.
Although most of the community associates the Wildflower Run with Dr. Cooper, those in the community who have never attended a Purple Pirate football game may not realize his storied work taking care of Bristow’s athletes. In fact, he has been Bristow’s sports physician for decades. Many anxious parents, witnessing their sons get hit on the football field, feel some relief each time he appears at the ready to care for them.
When he became a Bristow community physician, he and Peggy chose to make Bristow their home, investing in it, raising their family here, and being the proud parents of four now-adult children and grandparents to many. While Dr. Cooper is beloved by his family and most of the residents of the town, he could not have accomplished so much without the continuous loving support of his wife, who also served as his office manager for the last 43 years. She will be retiring along with Dr. Cooper this Friday, July 23.
In addition to Dr. Cooper and Peggy announcing their retirements, the majority of his office staff decided to retire as well. Originally recruited from the business office at the hospital to work for Dr. Cooper, Phyllis Abbott has worked as the office lead for 39 years, filling in anywhere she has ever been needed, and Dixie Calvin has worked for the office as receptionist for 28 years. Also retiring, Medical Assistant Joy Schrader originally joined the office team 27 years ago after she applied for an opening. The only remaining team member, Natalie McDougal, joined the office two years ago as a medical assistant. She plans to join a Tulsa obstetrical and gynecological practice.
Reflecting on their time serving their patients, Phyllis said that her favorite memories include those times when Dr. Cooper delivered babies and the fun times she and her coworkers have enjoyed together, saying “I love Peggy and Chip. The girls are a joy to work with. We are not only coworkers, we are friends and family.” Dixie and Joy echoed her sentiments, adding how much they love interacting with the patients.
As for their retirement plans, everyone in the office looks forward to spending time with grandkids and family, perhaps travelling a little, maybe doing a little gardening, and definitely getting plenty of rest and well-earned sleep. Dr. Cooper plans to continue his work with the Freeland Center, fundraising, attracting quality performers, and continuing to put his master woodworking skills to use building sets for plays.
With the office retiring, many locals question where they will turn when in need of healthcare. Fortunately, Dr. Scott Russell will be opening his practice in the same location and with the same phone number as Dr. Cooper. His practice will open on Aug.11.
In the meantime, a come-and-go style reception will be held at SpiritBank from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, to celebrate the dedicated work and retirements of Dr. Cooper, Peggy, Phyllis, Dixie, and Joy. Anyone is welcomed to attend; however, masks are required.
As they finish out their final week, Phyllis summed up the group’s feelings the best: “We will all be super sad next week, but we’re all ready.”