|
|
Author
|
Topic: Passing of a member, Bill Cope
|
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 05-12-2005 09:09 AM
As Paul Schultz (spacekid2) posted under the Quick - free grab bag... thread, Bill Cope (cS username: "BoogerBill") was the tragic victim of a car accident and has passed away. My own interactions with Bill were limited, though I was able to help him complete a space-topical stamp display in 2003. He made only a handful of posts to collectSPACE, but described himself as a "Stamp, FDC and Space artifact collector". From the Medford (Oregon) Mail, I was able to find his obituary: quote: William "Bill" Curtis Cope, 47, was born in Apple Valley, CA., February 11, 1958. He died in a car accident in New Mexico on April 13, 2005. Having returned to the Rogue Valley area after his retirement eight years ago, he lived in Williams, OR, for the last two years.Bill graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1976, and joined the Army. His first duty station was at Fort Sill, OK, where he met his wife, also stationed there. He earned a degree in Aeronautics in 1984 from Victor Valley College during a break in service, and re-enlisted in 1986 after residing in Medford, OR, two years. Bill was also stationed in Germany, Texas, Iraq, Hawaii and Virginia. His assignments took him to 37 different countries. He was a member of the Seventh Calvary (Custer's original unit) working as a helicopter crew chief, Stinger missile weapons inspector, and in Desert Storm, an air calvary forward scout and a helicopter inspector. He earned the Bronze Star for Heroism as well as five other medals during his tour in Desert Storm. He was a graves registration specialist in Germany and Hawaii. As part of the Central Identification Laboratory Hawaii (CILHI) 1994-1997, he participated as a recovery team leader, helping to locate, return and identify many MIA/POW remains from Southeast Asia. Bill retired from the Army in 1997 as a forensic anthropologist, proud to have served his country, especially so of his work with CILHI reuniting families with their missing loved ones. Bill continued serving his country after his retirement through his involvement in service organizations. He was an active member of the Masons, Warren Lodge No. 10 AF&AM, Jacksonville, and Hillah Shrine, Medford. He worked with the Young Marines and the Naval Sea Cadets providing instruction and mentoring to young people. Work with the army recruiters allowed him the privilege of participating in the Special Beauties Contests, acting as escort to handicapped young ladies of the Rogue Valley. Many hours of volunteer work at the Rehab Center in White City gave him a sense of accomplishment. He also participated in local holiday parades and ceremonies, especially those involving veterans. Memorial Day was a favorite; he drove military vehicles in the parades, led the honor guard at the Eagle Point National Cemetery and participated in the wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Park. He had an exuberant nature, an enthusiasm and energy for life that was infectious. Bill laughed often and with his wonderful sense of humor, lifted the spirits of those around him. To him, a stranger was just a friend he hadn't yet met. His strong sense of family guided his life and he will be forever missed. Bill is survived by his wife of 24 years, Terri; children, John Slater, Jodie Wolfe and William Cope of the Rogue Valley area, eight grandchildren (four here in the Rogue Valley and four in Spokane, WA), mother Shirley Pursley of Apple Valley, CA, father William Cope of Denison, TX; brother Chuck Chavez of Painesville, OH, sister Lynn Payne of San Bernardino, CA; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, as well as in-law families, Irene Corethers, Ken Corethers and wife Elizabeth, Kathy Fritz and husband Rick, Corrie Ellenburg of WA; Bill Wolfe, and Deana Malone.
For those who wish to pay tribute, contributions may be made to the "William Curtis Cope Memorial Fund," Bank of America, Crater Lake Branch, Medford, OR. |
Aztecdoug Member Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 05-12-2005 06:10 PM
I was digging through these archives on Collectspace to learn a little more about Bill Cope.I found this quote of his in the thread about the Grab Bag Box. He was referencing the wonderful items he had which were earmarked for the grab bag box. I think this says a lot about his character and spirit. "Please let me give so that others may learn.." God Bless. ------------------ Kind Regards Douglas Henry Enjoy yourself and have fun.... it is only a hobby! http://home.earthlink.net/~aztecdoug/ |
scout706 Member Posts: 166 From: Phoenix, AZ USA Registered: May 2002
|
posted 05-12-2005 06:21 PM
Godspeed, BoogerBillTom |
nojnj Member Posts: 503 From: Highland Heights, KY Registered: Feb 2003
|
posted 05-12-2005 10:12 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I always have great respect for individuals who served, and thanks for your service. Although we never met, I am greatly saddened.------------------ Evan |
Rizz Member Posts: 1208 From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 05-13-2005 01:41 AM
Aloha BoogerBill, and thank you. |
John K. Rochester Member Posts: 1292 From: Rochester, NY, USA Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 05-13-2005 03:24 PM
It may be kind of silly.. but in Bills honor, we should rename the traveling box "The BoogerBill Box" ..that way we can all think of him a little when we speak of it, or receive it. |
Rob Joyner Member Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 05-13-2005 03:27 PM
Like most of you, I never knew or met Bill. I do remember seeing his handle on a few threads. He was one of us and a death in the family is always a sad time. Bill did so much in his 47 years; amazing, really. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and all who had the honor of knowing him.
|
Spacebug Member Posts: 72 From: Yacolt WA USA Registered: Aug 2003
|
posted 05-13-2005 04:25 PM
I drive through Bill's town a couple times a year so I was hoping to meet up with him soon. Reading his posts, I feel it would have been a great way to spend a afternoon. My heartfelt prayers go out to his Family and Friends. Godspeed Bill! First round's on Dad!
|
HouseDadX4 unregistered
|
posted 05-13-2005 06:04 PM
I didn't know Bill very well, but I know that he's up there having a great time....He's finally living the dream of flying high amongst the stars... | |
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
![](http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/powered_by2.gif)
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
|
|
|
advertisement
|