Harold Wayne Copple

Harold “Hal” Copple was born in Portland, Oregon to Edgar and Vivian Copple. They lived in NE Portland with his brother Glenn and sister Mildred (deceased 1936). Hal graduated from Grant High School in 1948 and continued his education at Oregon State University and Portland State College. He later transferred to Lewis and Clark College, where he graduated in 1955 with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. Hal enlisted in the Air Force Reserves April 1950 and was called into active duty from April 1951 to November 1952, with the 403rd Troop Carrier Wing. This included deployment to Asiya, Japan during the Korean War. In June of 1955, Hal enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard, with the 142nd Combat Support Squadron, and retired in May of 1973 as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his service, Hal earned many accolades: Outstanding Airman Award, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Reserve Service Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbons, Faithful Service Medal (Oregon) (15 years) and Perfect Attendance Award (10 years). On December 20, 1952, Hal married his sweetheart Marilyn Jean Elliott. They lived together in Portland with their five children and extended family. After his military retirement, Hal worked for Action Alarm Company until he retired. He also worked part time for various companies, including Hoffman Construction, First International Bank, Jantzen Inc, Andrew’s Lumber Company, and the Federal Reserve Bank to provide for his family. Since infancy Hal was a part of First Christian Church, Portland, Oregon. As a child, he was active in the Christian Youth Fellowship, along with his future wife. The church was very important to Hal. He instilled his faith to his children, who also participated in CYF in their childhood. Hal grew to be a cherished piece of the church in his adult life, serving as an Elder and in many active roles. Hal was also involved with many local organizations; he was a Charter member of Gateway Elks, and Treasurer at Maywood Park City Counsel. In his spare time, Hal was actively involved with his family, Friday morning breakfast buddies, he loved to play all types of card games, including pinochle and was a huge die hard Blazer and Oregon State fan. He was often found supporting his favorite sports and rooting for them. He loved to play golf and improve on his drive. Free weekends and holidays were spent at the family cabin in Rockaway Beach. Hal was also known for annoying his children with his patriotic pan-banging and loud music on the Fourth of July. Hal is survived by his five children, Teresa Leeper, Janice (Jerry Bellis), Edward Copple, Caron Rose, and Sharon (Robert Aamot); grandchildren, Stefanie Leeper (deceased), Joseph Leeper, Benjamin Aamot, Matthew Adamson, Jennifer (Dirk Britton), Janine Leeper, David Rose, Lindsay Aamot, Gregory Adamson, Trisha Aamot and Nicholas Adamson; great-grandson, Devin Cartwright; brother, Glenn (Betty Copple); nephews, David Buell, Mike Copple, Matt Copple and Mark Copple. Hal was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Copple. You may join the family for Hal’s military service at Willamette National Cemetery on Friday, April 13, at 2pm. You may also attend a memorial for family and friends at First Christian Church, SW Park and Columbia, Portland, Oregon on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 1pm. A reception will follow the memorial service at the church. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, you may make donations in honor of Hal to: Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation Mail Stop 20 PO Box 4100 Portland, OR 97208-9908 (503) 294-7101 or 800 800-9583 https://www.ohsu.edu/about/dchf/help/default.cfm Oregon Humane Society PO Box 11364 Portland, OR 97211-0364 (503) 285-7722 http://www.oregonhumane.org/donate/tribute_gifts.asp Hal by Jennifer Britton I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who prayed. Nearly every Sunday, his whole life, he found a pew— Sang loudly with the hymns, praised God, whispered Amen. He taught me that we are blessed more than most, Time needs to be set aside to thank the Lord. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who passionately loved sports. From the sidelines, or his own chair, he grumbled and cheered— Black and Orange, Red and Black, touch downs, slam dunks. He taught me loyalty runs deeper than number of wins, Real fans stand by their team. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who pledged allegiance. Strong in his convictions, beyond diligently voting, he showed his pride— Signed his name, served with great men, went to war. He taught me to honor those who sacrifice their lives for others, Freedom isn’t free. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who paid attention. At the head of the large clan he created, he somehow made time— To listen, to call and check in, to make each of us feel loved. He taught me to care and take interest in what matters To those who matter. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who provided for family. Knowing the importance of strong support, of love, he brought us all together— Family picnics, super bowls, Easter and Christmas. He taught me that through anything, the happy or the hard, Our family is forever. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I’m grateful that in my life I knew a man who proved what a man should be. Setting an example for others to follow, his actions matched his words— Work hard, keep promises, hold God, family, and country dear. He taught me even though some people will abandon you, The important people never will. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. And I’ll miss him every day. Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.