Obituary of Donald Fredrick Copeland

On Friday, July 16, 2021 Don passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years. Don’s memory will be cherished by his daughter Zita (Peter). He is also lovingly remembered by his sons, Don (Lynda) and Ray (Maureen); son in law Lloyd; daughter in law Darlene; grandchildren Dusty, Donnie (Amanda), Velvet (Dayton), Rashan (Boo-Boo), Scott (Ashley), Rusty (Crystal), Donna (Dan), Trevor (Michelle), Latisha (Corey), Shane (Michelle), Nicole, Ashley (Dean “Papa’s Besty”), Matthew and Cortne; along with numerous great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends; very special friends Margaret Wentz and Debbie Robbins. He was predeceased by his wife Myrtle; sons Scott, Barry and James “Jim” and daughter Audrey. Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Regina Memorial Gardens, 4001 Victoria Ave. E., Regina, SK with Rev. Jim Balfour officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Broadway United Church.

Memories from Zita

Shortly after my mom passed away in 1999, my husband Peter and I asked my Dad to move in with us.  I already kind of knew he was going to say yes, but we were very happy when it actually happened.  I didn’t know much about my Dad before that, he was always very busy in the fields, working on the dairy farm milking cows, or working for the Town of Wolseley while I was growing up.

When I was about nine, I had to go to a special school in Regina and wasn’t able to get to know him or see him as much as my brothers and sister.  We had lots of conversations after he moved in that meant so much to me.   We talked about the Bouldings and the Copelands and about Scott, Audrey and the boys.   He told me lots of stories that I didn’t know about.   They made me laugh and I felt like I started to get to know the man my Dad really was.  It made me feel closer to Dad than I had ever felt before.

When I was young, I got meningitis, and if it weren’t for my Dad, I may not be here today.   He came home from work and I didn’t know who he was and he knew something was wrong, so he rushed me to the hospital and the doctors were able to help me.  

What I know is that my Dad worked hard his whole life to take care of his family in every way he could and all I wanted to do is take care of him the very best I could.   So together, over the last 22 years, Peter and I have done everything we can to make sure Dad was happy, loved and well take can of.  Just like he took care of all of us.

Dad loved playing cards.  Most afternoons you could find Peter, Dad and I around the table playing a game of cards.   Over the years, there have been lots of people who joined our games.   Big Deb, Nikki, Becky, all the great-grandkids, but his most favorite player to come along, has to be Margaret.  Maybe it was because she stuck up for Dad when Peter was being grumpy or pointing out mistakes in the card game, but since Dad was Peter’s partner, it was nice to have the backup.  Thank you for being such a big part of Dad’s last few years.   I know he smiled a bit more because of you.

Dad also loved to travel.  One of Dad’s favorite memories was the cruise he went on with Donna and Lynda.  He didn’t get many chances to take an awesome trip like that, but he took the chance to travel whenever he could.   Road trips were his favourite.  Up until the last few years, he would drive all over the country to see his family.   Rashan in Brooks, Uncle Morley and Auntie Audrey n Athabasca, and Auntie Birdie on Saturna Island to name a few.   We went down east to visit Peter’s family many times too.  He was always ready to get in the car for an adventure, whether is was across town to the store or across the country to see family.  He really did just like to jump in his van and drive.

Driving was his preference when travelling.   But when all us kids got together and got him a hot air balloon ride for his retirement he was okay to give up his van for a while and fly.  Dad had a great smile and it was pretty big when he got off that balloon.  I’m sure it was one of his greatest memories, but for me, it was pretty great too, even though I wasn’t up in the balloon too, his smile told me how happy he was.

The thing I will remember most about Dad’s time living with us, is how Peter and Dad were two peas in a pod.  First thing in the morning, Dad and Peter would start arguing.  I would tell them to stop and they would both say “He started it” or “We’re not arguing, we’re having a discussion.”  They were constantly bickering back and forth, but always in a loving sort of way.  Dad would say “Don’t argue with the elders” and Peter would respond with “Don’t argue with the youngsters.”  I spent 22 years listening to this and watched Peter and Dad grow closer with every “argument.”

In the last few months of Dad’s life, it was Peter who was there to clean up when there was an accident, to pick Dad up when he fell and he slept beside him in the recliner every night to make sure he was ok.  I want to thank you Peter.  For looking after Dad the way he wanted to be looked after and for making sure that he was as comfortable as could be.

I want to say a special thank you to Ashley and Dean.  They were both a huge support to Peter and I over the last few months when Dad was at his sickest.  We could not have gotten through it without you.  Thank you for being such a big part of Dad’s life in the last few years too.  Not everyone chose to come and visit often, but you two were always there showing him how much he was loved and I thank you very much for that.

Lastly, I would like to thank Mile.   My dad talked about you a lot and was very grateful for your friendship throughout the years.  Also Jim Balfour, you have been there for this family through many hard moments and we appreciate you supporting us through this difficult time too.

And now dad, it is time to say goodbye.  I loved having the chance to look after you for the last 22 years and I loved getting the chance to know you so well.  I love you.  Tell Mom and the others I love them too.   Goodbye Dad.