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Harley Copic Obituary
September 19, 1937 - February 16, 2021
Harley Francis Copic, 83, of Lambertville, MI, died Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at his home. Born September 19, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of Frank and May (Reef) Copic. Harley married the love of his life, Judy Hunter on October 5, 1968. Harley was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Harley retired from the Toledo Blade in 2002 after working for 25 years as a commercial artist.
Harley's greatest professional accomplishment was serving as an aviation artist in the United States Air Force Art Program for over 50 years. He flew in the backseat of nearly every USAF fighter jet and travelled the world with the USAF to gather reference material for his artwork. The highlights being a wartime trip to Vietnam and joining two of his sons at Balad Air Base, Iraq at the height of the war in 2007. A world-renowned aviation artist with over 50 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the world, including the Pentagon, the USAF Museum, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Harley's passions revolved around family and too many friendships to list. Car shows, model meetings, bowling, and having "supper" with family and friends comprised his daily life. Yet, nothing rivaled his relationship and love towards his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by sons, Todd (MaryEllen) and Terry (Kristy) Copic; sister, Nancy Perkins; grandchildren, T.J. and Macie; Samantha, Alec, Lucas and Lila; Brandon, Christina, Tabitha, and Meagan; 14 great-grand children and an abundance of relatives and friends.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judith Ann; and sons, Gregory and infant son, Jeff.
Visitation with COVID-19 guidelines will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI, where funeral services will be held on Monday 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Whiteford Union Cemetery, Whiteford Township, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 5240 Talmadge Road, Toledo, Ohio 43623.
pawlakfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Harley Copic
6 Entries
Pete Reljic
September 5, 2022
The aviation art world has lost a legend indeed.An artist who was blessed with a natural god given talent.I have a few of Harley's prints and they are all stunning images.I still say that "Yeager" is the finest P-51 painting EVER.An absolute classic indeed.It is a privilege to own the print.
In closing I would like to express my condolences to the family over the sad loss of Harley Copic aviation artist extraodanaire.
Sincerely,
Pete Reljic
Al Smith
February 21, 2021
I’m just a friend of a friend and a lover of his fine aviation art. With heartfelt condolences to the family. R.I.P.
Beth Brower Weilant
February 20, 2021
My sympathy To Todd, Terry, Nancy and the rest of Harley’s family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember going over to his house and seeing lots of his slides. Wonderful artist. May love surround you as you deal with his loss. Take care, Beth Brower Weilant
Lat
February 18, 2021
Rest easy Harley !!
February 18, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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