Birth date: Dec 1, 1941 Death date: Apr 7, 2020
Ronald A. Copes died peacefully in Bonney Lake, WA on April 7, 2020 after a long struggle with Amyloidosis. He was 78 years old. Born in Hartford, Connecticut on December 1, 1941, Ronald was the son of Mamie P. (Copes) Bailey and Read Obituary
LTC Copes was my CO when I was assigned to 1/1 CAV in Schwabach, Germany in 1980-1982. As a private we didn't have much contact but I remember him coming in the new recruit orientation and welcoming us to his squadron. He was a mountain of a man and a fine leader. I remember when my platoon won best gunners at tank gunnery LTC Copes cooked us steaks in the field mess tent. It is with sadness that I post this tribute to a great American- Ron Copes.
Colonel Copes was one of the finest officers I had the privilege of knowing. As Commander of the First Squadron, First Regiment of Dragoons he mentored me and helped me develop skill sets that I would later use in other successful assignments. He was a soldier through and through, and a great human being. One day we will meet at Fiddlers Green.
Col Copes twice gave me the opportunity to Wear the green tabs of leadership in the First Squadron First Regiment of Dragoons. First as XO of B Troop and then as CO of C Troop. I learned a lot that shaped my future in those roles. I will see you in the future in Fiddlers Green.
Our Deepest Sympathy Melva for the Loss of your Beloved Husband and Our Beloved Friend. He was kind, devoted and and Gentleman. He will Truly be missed. Love ❤️ Donnie and Johnnie Follings 🌺
Ron Copes was and will always remain a treasured friend. My deceased husband and I were warmed by his generosity of spirit and care. Ron's family have my most sincere thoughts and care. May his wife Melva know how much she remains in our thoughts and prayers. --- A great woman, help mate, and community gift, as well.
With deep affection,
Elaine H . Anderson - Clark
To our best friend “Copes” you will be missed dearly by us. But we will keep the memories of the many trips and house visits with you and Melva in our hearts until we meet again in our “Father’s house”. Rest In Peace you fought a great battle.
Gregory & Icemae Gardner 💕
I will always remember him as a member of B Trp in schwabach as a excellent commanding officer,
Ron,
You were my hero even before I knew the Definition of hero. Words cannot express the love I feel for you, the pride I have in you, and the sorrow that’s in my heart for losing you! I find comfort in the fact of knowing that you’re now resting in your personal mansion with our Heavenly Father and with our parents, our sisters and other loved family members who are in Heaven as well. As I’ve read the comments and memories of our siblings the tears began to trickle down and are now full blown as I recall some of my favorite memories of you. Our time together at the US Open tennis tournament watching Serina Williams do her thing! Or the many times we’d meet for breakfast before heading off to our jobs. The wise council you’ve provided to me when I struggled with some of life’s challenges. I enjoyed our time in Seattle when Lenore and I came to visit with you and Melva! To bad we didn’t get to go up in the Needle :).
Thank you for being the wonderful brother you’ve always been to me and although you will sorely be missed you’ve EARNED you rest! Take care of mommy, daddy, Cat, Glenda and all of our loved ones in Heaven. I’m so proud to be your little brother!
Keep an eye on me...love ya!
Words cannot describe the support, friendship, kindness and joy Ron has shown to me and all I witnessed him showing toward others. I thank him for being a loving and kind friend to me. I thank him and honor him for being a loving and kind husband to my dear friend Melva and father to his family. He was an EXCEPTIONAL person and he will be truly missed. Ron, may God continue to bless us through the life you lived and Thanks for becoming one of my Guardian angels. Your friend Sebrena
BF/COL Ronald A. Copes, you were such a gentlemen and a friend to the Seattle Chapter of the Girl Friends. What a great career and life you led; and shared w/ our dear GF Melva. I am particularly grateful of the time you gave to my late husband also. We will miss you. May God Bless you as you go home.
GF Linda Dunn Gillis
