William John "Bill" Copeland

COPELAND - William "Bill" John. It is with deep regret that the family announces that Bill Copeland, the former Mayor of the City of Burnaby passed away with his family by his side on August 30, 2002. Bill was born in Vancouver on May 19, 1927. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife Ruth, children Doug (Kathy), Emily (Rich) Broughton, Dan (Theresa). His adored grandchildren Dan, Melissa, Jason, Karli & Candis. His sister Betsy (Rudy) Strand and family as well as many cousins. William John Copeland (Bill) was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. During the Second World War he served in the Merchant Marine and in the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1955, Bill joined the Burnaby Fire Department. His dedication to Firefighters led him to the leadership role of President of Burnaby Firefighter's Union Local 323 where he then became ViCe President of the 6th District of the International Association of Firefighters. Bill retired in 1987 as an Assistant Fire Chief. During his careers, Bill became associated with many worthwhile causes namely: 1.) Burnaby Red Cross (Former President) 2.) Canadian National Institute for the Blind (Director) 3.) Burnaby Association for the Mentally Handicapped (Honorary Chairman) 4.) St. John Ambulance (Chairman) 5.) South Burnaby Metro Club (Honorary Life Member) 6.) Volunteer Grandparents (Honorary Director) 7.) Burnaby North Lions Club (Life Member) 8.) Rotary Club, Deer Lake Chapter (Member) In 1987, Bill Copeland was elected Mayor of Burnaby and served with distinction for three terms. Mayor Copeland's highest priority throughout his nine year term was to make Burnaby a model community. He diligently undertook to increase citizen participation in government and to create a better, more compatible, more liveable and environmentally sound community. Following his career as Mayor, Bill was honoured by both the Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology. BCIT confirmed an honorary doctorate decree upon Bill while Simon Fraser University awarded Bill the Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award. Bill was recently bestowed the honour of Freeman of the City of Burnaby. Special thanks to his dedicated caregiver Pam, the Burnaby Firefighters and the many family and friends who visited over the past years. Memorial to be held at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby, on Friday, September 6, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.