Frank Laurence Copeland

The world lost a bright spirit when Frank Copeland passed away on February 21, 2021. Our Dad was always full of life – so much so, that no one could imagine he would ever leave us. He was a man of fierce intelligence, great wit and boundless energy, with a sense of fun that never dimmed in spite of advancing years.

Frank was born in London and grew up during the Second World War in Leicester and Doncaster, England. He enlisted in the RAF at 18 and married the love of his life, his wife Margaret, in 1952. Mom and Dad emigrated to Canada in 1957, where Dad joined the Alberta Research Council in Edmonton as a cartographer. He later started his own business, Alberta Cartographic Consulting, before retiring with Margaret to their beloved Qualicum Beach in 1986. Together they built a magical home that became the site of endless happy visits from family and friends.

Frank had many passionate interests, chief among which were duck hunting, fishing and family. He was a skilled woodworker and builder, leaving beautifully crafted furniture and many successful renovations to remember him by. Dad was also a great lover of dogs and wild birds, a sports fan and an expert at cryptic crosswords. Local fishermen will remember him as the long-time President of the French Creek Boat Owners Association, a position he held for many years before hanging up his fishing hat in 2019.

In his later years Dad suffered many health challenges, which he circumnavigated with his usual resourcefulness and determination. These qualities became paramount when, in the last years of his life, he became full time caregiver to his beloved wife Margaret. His devotion to Mom never faltered throughout their long life together, and her wellbeing was his chief concern even in his final days.

Frank leaves behind a sad family who can hardly imagine life without him: his wife of 69 years, Margaret Copeland, daughter Jane Calvert and her husband Doug Calvert, daughter Lynne Copeland and her partner Gerard Stark, son John Copeland and his wife Sarah Copeland, and grandchildren Hayley and Jillian Calvert, Patrick Edgar, and Eva and Rebecca Copeland. He will also be remembered fondly by friends and family in England and many friends in Qualicum and Edmonton.

A memorial service for Frank will take place later in the year.

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