Gerry Copeland

11/23/1942 - 04/25/2010

COPELAND, Gerry Joseph Passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2010, of complications from melanoma. He was born November 23, 1942, in Ellensburg, Washington, to Alden and Eva (Edwards) Copeland. He graduated from Colfax High School and earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from the University of Washington. He practiced architecture in Seattle, Colville, and Spokane, specializing in the design and building of custom homes. His work was often published in national magazines, and his homes received many awards. Gerry served two years with the Peace Corps in India as a young man, sparking a lifelong interest in Asian culture and religion. He was an avid hiker, backpacker, and wilderness advocate, and served on the board of directors of The Lands Council. He also took an active role in the Spokane Folklore Society, helping to develop their annual family camp. He is survived by his wife Margie Heller, son Forrest Copeland and daughter Mira Copeland, nephews Ryan Copeland, Oran Baldwin and John Baldwin, and niece Mary Baldwin. A celebration of Gerry's life will be held Saturday, May 22, beginning at 3:30 pm, at Camp N-Sid-Sen near Harrison, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Lands Council, 25 W. Main Avenue Suite 222, Spokane, WA 99201, or to the Peace Corps.(www.peacecorps.gov)