Michael J. Copley

Michael John Copley
of Sacramento, California passed away on March 23rd, 2024 with Family by his side at UC Davis
Medical Center in Sacramento, California following a courageous battle with Leukemia.

Michael was born on January 18th, 1954 in Pasadena California to Frank Copley and Elinor Fairey Copley.
Michael grew up the youngest of four siblings in the booming suburbs of Los Angeles, along-side brother Paul,
sister Joan, and his beloved sister Carol. Michael was a charismatic and magnetic personality, a thoughtful
creator, and a compassionate friend to all who were so fortunate to cross his path.

Michael grew up with a passion for athletics, music, and the arts, particularly a talented guitar and baseball
player and was known into his 50s for his “Legendary” Curveball. Michael graduated from Crescenta Valley
High School in 1972. His love for rock and roll and the arts took him on the road to attend Humboldt State
University. A born analyst and statistician, he later went on to a bachelor's degree and MA/CPA at the
University of New Mexico.

Michael found his calling in the natural foods industry in the late 70’s, where he met and worked with
Elizabeth Allen and in 1980 they were blessed with a beloved Son, Matthew. Michael was a pioneer in the
natural foods co-op movement across the country with a close group of colleagues, including leadership of
operations and analytics in Santa Fe and Albuquerque New Mexico, Tucson Arizona, Durango Colorado, and
Sacramento California, where he retired after a 44 year career.

Michael’s fierce love of Baseball persevered. Quite possibly the first Dodger fan to ever “learn to like the
Giants”, Michael’s analytical mind thrived on the nuance and the numbers, playing throughout school and later
coaching his son’s teams. In the early 90’s he resumed playing competitively and played hardball in men’s
leagues until his arm and shoulder failed him in his early 50’s. He complimented his athletics with an
unwavering passion for music. Michael had an ear for refinement and complexity, and found solace in the
subtleties that separate great music from the pack. Playing in bands throughout his life and diving ever deeper
into theory and production in his later years he built an impressive studio and collection of work.

A surprisingly skilled trout fisherman and outdoorsman, Michael loved the simple life and was always up for an
adventure in the woods, a song by the fire, some good ghost stories, or a quick witted joke when no-one expected
it.
Michael is survived by his children Matthew (wife Kandace), grandson Raines, Matthew’s mother Elizabeth,
and his beloved sister, Carol. He joins his parents, Frank and Elinor, his brother Paul, and his sister Joan in
the grace of the Lord.

The family will hold a Memorial and Celebration of Life at the Julietta Winery in Clarksburg California, on April 18th 2024, at 6:00pm. Please RSVP to copleytrust@gmail.com Space is limited.
At Michael’s insistence, there will be: “No mourning or moping allowed”.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations that will go 100% to local youth baseball & music programs in
his name through the following link:
http://spot.fund/qrf9xsc
Michael will be remembered as a man of unwavering integrity, magnetic sense of humor, thoughtful creativity,
and boundless generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joshua 1:9
Remember that I have commanded you to be determined & confident.
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I The Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

The Copley family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all of the friends, colleagues, classmates, caregivers,
and communities who shared their path with Michael.
We are all better for the good fortune to know him.