posted 05-12-2005 09:09 AM               

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:

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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.

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posted 05-12-2005 06:10 PM               

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.

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Kind Regards

Douglas Henry

posted 05-13-2005 04:25 PM               

My heartfelt prayers go out to his Family and Friends.