Bruce E. Copus

Bruce Edward Copus died February 15, 2026. He was 70 years old. Bruce was born May 7, 1955 in Midland, Michigan to John Carl Copus and Virginia Rogers

In his early years, Bruce moved to Berea, Ohio, and graduated from Berea High School. He played the saxophone in 5 different bands, and was nominated for the Babe Ruth Award for excellence in character, sportsmanship and academics.

After high school, Bruce attended Wake Forest University on a swimming scholarship. He ended his college years in Mt. Pleasant, where he earned his Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.

He met his loving wife Karen McKelvey in Mt. Pleasant, and they were married on July 12, 1980. Bruce and Karen moved to Philadelphia where he was employed as a service manager.

Their son Colin was born in New Jersey in 1983, and they moved back to Lathrup Village, joining Bruce's Father-in-Law, Lawrence McKelvey, who owned an independent Insurance Claims Company. In 1990, the family was blessed with a daughter, Caroline.

Bruce participated in storm duty, where he worked for FEMA following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and then Katrina in 2005. He enjoyed meeting many claimants, and enjoyed being in a position to help them after devastation. His last years were spent as an estimator for a few different Restoration Companies.

As a dedicated member of his community, Bruce served as a Lathrup Village City Councilman for 15 years, a portion of that time, he was elected Mayor Pro Tem. Bruce also served on Lathrup's Planning Committee. He also served as Deacon for Northbrook Presbyterian Church, and aided in organizing their yearly SOS program for Homeless individuals trying to get back on their feet.

In his free time, Bruce enjoyed duck and goose hunting up North and in Canada with his good friends. Bruce and Karen also spent many wonderful times with family and friends at their cabin on Lake Leelanau in Traverse City.

Bruce will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as hardworking, friendly, kind, with a good sense of humor. Many will miss him and continue to remember his influence in their lives.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his son, Colin (Danielle), and his daughter, Caroline Le (Vinh). He is also survived by his brother, Phillip,(Barb); his grandchildren, Connor and Brandon Copus, and adored nieces Hannah and Emma, as well as by his nephew, Cole Lorigan, and his Sisters-in-Law, Holly Lorigan (Mike) and Dana McKelvey (Dan Glime).

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents John and Virginia (Rogers) Copus, his brother, Gary, and his son, Cameron, who was born in 1988, but lost to SIDS at 2.5 months old.

A memorial gathering will be held Monday, March 9th with a memorial Service at 1pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, Michigan. Friends may begin visiting at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116.