Burton Copson

Burton “Burt” Arthur Copson, 87, of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, departed this world on Sunday afternoon, November 30, 2025. He was born on July 23, 1938, in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of New York City.

Burt received last hugs from his loving wife of 56 years, Peggy, and his son, Jay. He is also survived by his beloved grandson, Henry, along with two brothers, Dennis and Donald, and several nieces and nephews.

When he was 10 years old, Burt lost his mother and was abruptly moved from the big city to a remote farm in Belfast, Maine. He played varsity football in high school, and was awarded a Navy ROTC scholarship, which facilitated his graduation from the University of Maine with a degree in civil engineering. Upon receiving his officer’s commission, Burt served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, then commanded 38 river boats in the Vietnam War. He was recommended for a Bronze Star for rescuing a squad of stranded Marines.

After Vietnam, Burt joined the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, primarily designing and supervising dam construction throughout Maine. His career advanced into larger projects such as the design of an airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, which is considered one of the nation's top engineering feats of 1985. Burt later returned to public service at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Burt and his wife eventually retired to Emerald Isle, a place he never ceased to love and enjoy for 24 years. He became a proficient watercolor artist, and was still painting in his last days. Burt took nearly daily bike rides, which were more often about greeting his wonderful neighbors than the exercise. He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.