Richard Lee Copner

Richard Lee Copner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend passed away on Thursday, December 26, at Central Washington Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family--wife, Susan; children, Carolyn, David, and Bruce; and grand-daughter, Tawnee ("Gizzo") . Rich was born to William L. & Maude E. (Pritchard) Copner on February 18, 1940 in Mount Vernon, Washington. He often shared the happy childhood memories of growing up on South 10th Street with his brother and sister and many friends. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1958. While attending Skagit Valley College, he met his future wife, Susan Herrell, and they were married at Salem Lutheran Church on November 17th, 1962. Rich and his family lived in Mt. Vernon, Oak Harbor, and Marysville as he began his career with West Coast Telephone Company. He went to work in the engineering dept. of G.T.E. in Everett and transferred to Wenatchee in 1976. He was manager of inside plant operations before becoming a regional manager of three N.W. regions. He retired after 30 years and he and Susan moved to make their home in Wenatchee Heights in 1999. Rich loved life and had many interests, including trail riding on his motorbike or 4- wheeler, often accompanied by his sons. He enjoyed camping, boating, and horseback riding with Susan. He loved music and was a great dancer, especially to the rock 'n roll tunes of the 50's. Rich was a craftsman, and created many beautiful projects using wood and metal, including a gazebo, decks, shop, horse barns, and much more. He seemed to know how to repair or build anything. He also enjoyed using the flight simulator on his computer, 'flying' to airports all over the world! Rich especially loved his family, providing security and instilling valuable life lessons. He fully supported their dreams and ambitions. Rich loved to laugh and make others laugh, and readily helped anyone in need. He was passionate in his beliefs, including his faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings. A life well lived, Rich. Thank you for sharing yours with us. We will miss you dearly. Rich is survived by his wife, Susan, and his children, Carolyn Copner of Manson; David Copner (Cari) of Sammamish; and Bruce Copner (Heather) of Boise; and grandchildren, Tawnee Agnew, Brenden and Sierra Copner. He is also survived by his brother, James Copner (Annie) of Fresno, and sister, Mary Ellen Copner of Mount Vernon as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 @ 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church at the corner of Washington and Miller streets in Wenatchee. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Rd. in East Wenatchee. Memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. You are invited to visit his tribute online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com .

Richard Lee Copner

February 18, 1940 - December 26, 2013