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Brian COPELAND Obituary

BRIAN CAMERON COPELAND August 21, 1958 - November 1, 2020 A man in full Suddenly, at home, we lost the best of fathers and the best of friends. He lived a life of generosity, built homes and relationships, loved art, philosophy and science, played and coached hockey with passion, and left us his children as his greatest creation and the centre of his life. Brian worked on school projects, park-building and endless Pizza Fridays. He coached and cheered from hockey rinks to lacrosse fields (for anyone doing their best), drove to practices and tournaments and fed many, many kids. And did it with joy. He was a lover of Tai Chi, paddle boarding, meditation, debate and the opportunity to teach us how to do things (right). Children were enthralled by his gripping (and briefly terrifying) storytelling and free-range adventuring, and begged for more. He grew a brave and active pack of followers who knew they were safe to swim across lakes and grow independent with his steady encouragement and support. It worked for adults as well. His creativity and drive gave us beautiful dwellings made from our own forest and stone and built with the goal of sheltering family for a hundred years. Brian enjoyed his "volunteer" army of family and friend labourers and offered both gentle and rough instruction. We amazed him with our ignorance but he loved us anyway. We treasure the memories of this year with him. He had romance and freedom and fine weather all summer and was happy in his family and at the bright future of our kids. He loved the huge amount of time we had together this year and looked forward to much more. A heart attack on October 25, 2020, surprised him. His good care in hospital and return home gave us a week when Brian savoured his good life and gave and received love intensely. He knew love. Son of the late Jack and Barbara Copeland (Lough). Survived by daughter, Barbara and son, Calvin. Deeply missed by sister, Janice (Guy Poulin); brother, Kevin Copeland; nieces, Rebecca (Mat Marrelli) and Rachel; nephew, Jack Copeland, his partner, Dyanne (Ostrander); his Digby, Alexander, Lough, and Copeland aunts and uncles, cousins, and many more much loved and loving relatives and a host of friends and teammates of all ages. "What he had, he shared." Cremation will take place at Mount Pleasant Crematorium Monday, November 9th and due to Covid-19 restrictions will be a private event.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Nov. 6 to Nov. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian COPELAND

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48 Entries

Sheila Stewart

January 23, 2021

We really appreciated having Brian as a neighbour and our hearts go out to Barbara, Calvin, and all the family. When we moved in a couple doors from Brian, he invited us to a party of neighbours. Our daughter Rachel enjoyed babysitting Barbara and Calvin and we like seeing Brian with the children as they grew. He would shovel our snow and say it wasn't fair that we had more snow to shovel because we live on the corner! This kind act meant we thought he was much younger than us!! We miss his smile and easy conversation. Take good care, everyone who is missing Brian.

Dave B

November 28, 2020

A terrible shock. Brian and I were friends since age 5 on the bus to school. At Queen’s we were the only two classmates from high school to attend so we often hung out together. Then of course we reconnected playing hockey. Brian played a lot of hockey. God bless him. He was always a welcoming and friendly face for me.He always kept in touch and was always a very positive force in the world. They don’t make them like him anymore. Condolences to the family.

Mike Annese

November 15, 2020

I had the opportunity to have many great conversations with Mr. Copeland. He was always a welcoming site in a cold arena as he supported Calvin and his teammates.

Brian was so full of life, he was always a positive voice. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.

Tom Herstad

November 12, 2020

Great! enthusiastic, engaging, thinker, gentleman, adventurer. I will always remember winning Monday night Burlington hockey with Brian. He was one of my my defence partners. We were in over our heads and a severe underdog. We pulled it off and in the last minute I will always remember sitting beside him on the bench. The intense joy in his eyes and all over his face. It was a wonderful moment Brian and I shared.
He most certainly is gone too soon. My sincere condolences to Kevin and the family.
Herstad family.

Tom Herstad

November 12, 2020

Great! enthusiastic, engaging, thinker, gentleman, adventurer. I will always remember winning Monday night Burlington hockey with Brian. He was one of my my defence partners. We were in over our heads and a severe underdog. We pulled it off and in the last minute I will always remember sitting beside him on the bench. The intense joy in his eyes and all over his face. It was a wonderful moment Brian and I shared.
He most certainly is gone too soon. My sincere condolences to Kevin and the family.
Herstad family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jenny Dale

Planted Trees

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Autumn Barbini

Planted Trees

Ray Lessard

November 10, 2020

Brian was a great teammate and wise mentor to many. May God bless.

Cindy and Peter Jaques

November 10, 2020

Thank you for encouraging us, teaching us, laughing with us and loving us. We are stronger, kinder, happier and wiser, having had you as a friend. Forever in our hearts.

Estee Klar

November 9, 2020

I never got the chance to meet Dyanne’s Brian or know his family but it was easy to see the love and now, the heartbreak. My deepest condolences to all.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

LeeAnn McBain

Planted Trees

Marta Manent

November 9, 2020

Brian was a bright and outstanding person. He lived his life based on values, and his honesty and generosity will forever be an example of life. Being among his friends has been a precious honor. It is very hard to accept that he is gone, my feelings of condolences are with his grieving children. Marta Manent

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Cindy Jaques

Planted Trees

Randy I

November 9, 2020

My condolences to the Copeland family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Brain.

I will miss playing with Brian on Friday mornings at McCormick Arena. I did not realize how old Brian was until now and that he was playing against guys half and possibly one-third his age.

He was always friendly and talkative in the dressing room. He will be surely missed.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

james smith

Planted Trees

Betty and Monty Kerr

November 9, 2020

We were so very sorry to hear about Brian. We met him many times over the years at our daughter and son-in- law’s- Jodi and Mike . He was a loving father and good friend. He will be greatly missed. Betty and Monty Kerr

Fiorenzo Arcadi

November 9, 2020

You will be missed forever and always at THR. The beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of a great person that you were. Rest in peace up in the heaven, because I still can't believe it!

November 9, 2020

After the shock and disbelief, we grieve the loss of Brian, a vibrant man whose heart was devoted to his children and family and who was passionate about his community. Brian has touched so many lives and he will be remembered. Condolences to Barbara and Calvin and the Copeland family.

Roderik, Tekla, Matana and Jorin

Karen Pilosof

November 9, 2020

Such tragic news, this lovely man was always one of my faves around the arena. He brightened everyone’s day, with his smile and stories and always managed to find commonality in every encounter. What a father to Calvin and Barbara. May his everlasting love and support of you both carry you through all of your days, knowing he will forever gaze down upon you with pride and eternal love. My deepest sympathy to you and your extended family and friends and loved ones.

Jim Gabel

November 8, 2020

A terrific person, a joy to be a around, a great D partner and coach, never shy to engage in a meaningful and inspirational conversation.

Frances Steciuk

November 8, 2020

Brian was a big contributor to the Howard PS community and the George Bell Hockey Association. Our children – as well as many kids that followed - benefitted from his initiative, commitment, time and energy. He raised money, lead teams (including the team to rebuild the Howard PS playing fields), coached, and generally just got stuff done. Thank you, Brian. Rest in peace.

Sharon Mavrigianakis

November 7, 2020

As a cousin of Brian’s I have many memories of Boxing Day parties when we were young, and also spending many moments together at the cottage. His laughter and his presence will be missed always. Gone too soon

Marc Bracken

November 7, 2020

My heart is broken. Brian was taken from us way too soon. Probably the most generous person I have known. I'm going to miss our talks on philosophy, religion, and, yes, hockey. RIP friend.

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Sarah Mckenna

Planted Trees

Mario Schwarz

November 7, 2020

Brian was the most generous person I ever met in my entire life.
What he had ,he shared. We love him deeply he will be missed. All our love to his family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Mario Schwarz

Planted Trees

The Schwarz

November 7, 2020

Brian,
Thanks for helping us to improve and superate ourselves as human beings.
Thanks for treating us like family. Thanks for the support you gave us.
Thanks for that big smile and the time you shared whit us.
Were missing you!
We send our love and condolences to Barbara, Calvin and family.

Magnificent Life Spray

MIGUEL SCHWARZ

Sent Flowers

Danny

November 7, 2020

It was a honour and privilege having known you. I’m glad I was able to speak with you recently to ask how you were doing. Even though you were going through a concerning time, you were still positive and cheerful as always. Make sure you have those hockey games up there. Much love from you’re hockey warrior.

Danny

Mitch Dent

November 7, 2020

He always made me smile.....truly hard to believe....

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Patricia Paprica

Planted Trees

Rachel Copeland

November 6, 2020

Brian was a man of wonder - a man who could do it all, the kind of men you read about in storybooks. A man dedicated to his family and friends. A man who knew every answer to all questions asked. A man who could build a dream cottage from the trees he found in the forest. A pioneer, innovative ideas and visions far beyond the human eye. Brian was meticulous in his movements and humble in his hard work. A man who could tell a story like no one else, with the turn of the page and you’re suddenly in the middle of a forest being chased by a werewolf - all the proper voices to match. Brian was a pillar of strength, not only physically but emotionally as well - A man you could depend on through all the tides life waved your way. Brian will always be the pillar that held up the structures he built, the pillar that held up our family. Though the structure may shift, Brian left behind enough love to keep us solid.

Jorge oporta

November 6, 2020

Wow es increible como las cosas pasan tan rapido ....una persona con una empatia y la capacidad de darce a querer por cualquiera que lo rodeaba .con la manera y la inteligencia que plantiabas las cosas para ayudar a otros.amigo te conocimos poco pero el poco tiempo que pasastes en costa rica con nosotros demostrastes que heras una persona de verdad ...te bamos a extrañar ..

Nick Ametrano

November 6, 2020

I got to spend time chatting with Brian as we watched our boys play hockey and lacrosse over the years. Enjoyed every conversation, learned something from each and every one of them. Will never forget you Brian, until we meet again.

Scott McNeil

November 6, 2020

Wow, I am in shock. Such a lovely guy. I have so enjoyed having Brian as a neighbour and patent buddy in our time at Howard setting up for the Fall Fette. So sorry for your and our loss.

Treasured Friend

Halle Barrett

Sent Flowers

Dyanne Ostrander

November 6, 2020

Brian loved his lake and loved to paddle board around it and take all the beautiful nature in.

Bob, Lorraine and Grant

November 6, 2020

So sad to hear of this shocking news. Barbara and Calvin, you may take some solice at this difficult time in knowing that your father was a good man, a good father and well liked, if not loved, by all those who new him. Warmest regards, Bob Warburton.

Carolyn White

November 6, 2020

Tragic news. Remembering you and your father, such charming and big hearted men. Condolences to your family.

The Gallaghers (Julia, Curtis, Patrick, Ethan and Lindsey)

November 6, 2020

What a force! So dependable. So caring and giving. He will be deeply missed by many many kids and adults. We send our love to Barbara and Calvin and all who were close to him.

LYNN R ORTH Associate Head Coach, WLU Lacrosse

November 6, 2020

He was a great cheerleader, always offering advice from the sidelines. He supported Barb and her teammates without reservation. He was the kind of parent you would choose for all of your players. Laurier lacrosse has lost a great fan. We will miss you Brian.

Roger Beaulieu

November 6, 2020

The world has lost a true gentleman and a great human being. We will miss his presence at the lake. So happy to have seen him one last time at the Sprucedale garbage disposal this summer. Roger and Marsha Beaulieu

Dyanne Ostrander

November 6, 2020

Brian loved his lake and paddle boarding around it to take it all in

Tim Sinclair

November 6, 2020

To Barbara, Calvin and Brian's Family,

Words cannot express how sad the news was of Brian's passing. He was and is a special person and his impact as a person and man of the world was breath taking.

Like many people around Brian, I got to know him as a father of Cal and the most passionate advocate for all kids journey's and reaching their best. That relationship evolved into a friendship that I looked forward to having as we checked in with each other almost monthly regardless of what the "kids" were doing.

Funny, witty, with an ability to allow everyone a voice but still be true to his own, I learned much from him. His ability to be a provocateur and challenge assumptions while not degrading others points of view was one of the many gifts he had.

The last time we spoke he had just finished a great summer up at the Cottage and was so excited that Barbara and Cal were going to Laurier at the same time. I could tell as I reflect now, that this past summer was very special for him and given his passing, will be special for all of you in his family for a long time to come.

From Sherri, Thomas, Mark, Olivia, Sarah and Tim we feel privileged to have known him and for me specifically to have been able to phone him and hear his unique take on life, sports, global politics and the like.

Take care and Love.

The Sinclair Family

Kathy E. Short Lessard

November 6, 2020

Kevin, my heartfelt thoughts and tenderness go to you and your family. Keep strong, my friend!

Kathy Lessard

Andy, Ali and Quin Reid

November 6, 2020

Brian left many amazing impressions on this world but none as important as his family. Thank you for sharing. Our prayers are with you. God bless.

Tracy

November 6, 2020

such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, who impacted so many lives. My heart aches for all those left behind.

Tony Martin

November 5, 2020

Beatifully written for a beautiful guy.

Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results

Memorial Events
for Brian COPELAND

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8