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2012
Passed away at his residence in Ewa Beach, Oahu on November 8, 2012 at the age of 63. Loving father of Nathaniel (Valerie) Cope of Hawaii and Richard Cope of Tennessee. Devoted grandfather of three. Dear brother of Carmella Greenhaigh, Chris Danielson, Sheree Lotz, Laura Cope, Billy Cope, Lorna Cope, and step brother of Harold Fisher. Preceded in death by loving parents Billy and Loritta Cope. Longtime friend of Linda Ervin-Fullerton.
Richard was born in Hawaii in 1949. The child of a military family, Richard spent his early years traveling until his father retired and moved to Petaluma. Richard attended Petaluma High School and then enlisted in the US Army in 1969 where he was a Combat Medic and Cavalry Scout during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal along with several Vietnam service medals. Richard continued serving his nation in the US Army Reserve. He retired as a Master Sergeant after honorably serving for 31½ years.
At the time of his death, Richard was continuing to serve his country as a security officer at the Naval and Coast Guard Air Station, Barbers Point, Hawaii.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Richard's life will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, 763-4131
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5 Entries
Oh my god! We had just talked after all these years. We made plans for me to visit...but you were headed to the mainland and said April would be better. Sent a package...but never heard from you.....now I know why. I am truly devastated.
Thanks for the laughs and memories. May you rest in eternal peace...until we meet again.
Julie Knapp
Julie Knapp
December 23, 2012
He truly was one of a kind and one of the bravest men I ever served with. We served together for several years in the 579th Engr Bn (CA NG) after Rick was discharged from the Army. He taught us all a lot but mostly I remember his passion and his strong sense of duty. But Rick was also a fun guy whose idea of fun bordered on craziness. It was with joy and a little craziness that we bumped in to each other in Korea in 1987. I know that Glenn Valli would agree if we stole a paraphrased quote from Gen Schwarzkoph to say "Cope, we have loved you as only one soldier can love another." God speed Rick.
Bob Tarleton
December 7, 2012
I will always remember Rich. We joined the army together and always managed to come home on leave at the same time. I have many fond memories. I only wish I could have seen him more often.
Ken Holybee
December 5, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He and I were medics together in the 579th. He was a good friend and "brother-in-arms". He is fondly rememered and thought of often.
Sincerly,
Glenn Valli
December 4, 2012
My condolence to the family. Psalm 9:9
Charity
December 4, 2012
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