Donald Lee Copeland

Our father Donald Lee Copeland went to soar with the Eagles on Dec. 6, 2005, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was born Dec. 2, 1930 in Portland, Ore., to Arthur and Nina Copeland. He was raised in the Portland area, joining the military at a very young age. Dad was in the military for 27 years. His travels took him many places, including Larson Air Force base. He fell in Love with Moses Lake, and decided to retire here in 1969. While stationed at Larson, Dad also worked at Tri State in sporting goods and during the holidays as Santa, which was also aired on the radio. Dad loved to play Santa and convince the kids he really was Santa, often visiting their house after work to convince them he was really him. Dad enjoyed coaching and umpiring baseball games. Hunting and fishing were among his favorite sports. Dad enjoyed hinting with his Tri State buddies and his son Rick. In his later years, Dad enjoyed going fishing with his son-in-law Al (always managing to catch more or bigger fish). Dad was an active lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge, he held several offices including president twice, he was a past president helping at state as a new Arie chairman and currently chairman of the board of trustees. Dad was proud to be part of an organization that felt like family. A few years ago, Dad joined in the Dart league. He enjoyed playing darts until his health wouldn't allow it any longer. During his cancer treatments many of his friends from the Eagles stepped up to help drive him to Wenatchee. He enjoyed those times and shared many stories and recipes along the way. All of his children inherited his love for animals, cooking and volunteering. Dad is survived by his children: Rick (Donna) Copeland and Donna (Al) Anderson of Moses Lake, LeAnn (Ron) of Slidwell, La., Angel (Ricky) of McRae, Ark. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Ricky (Luta), Misty (Mario), Dustan, David (Megan), Chantel, Krista, Cody, stepgrandchildren Laure (Craig), Mandy (Jerry), Christie (Drew), Jesse, Raymond, Scotty and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Loretta Tally of Oregon and Delores (Norm) Kling of California. He also leaves Missy his dog. She was his special comfort these last few years. Dad also leaves behind special friends at the Eagles — Fran, Dee, Ann, Willard, plus many more.

A celebration of his life will be held Dec. 17 at the Eagles, 1517 W. Broadway Ave. at 1 p.m. Dad requested it be a celebration. He wants everyone to have fun, share stories and remember good times. Dad also requested that everyone dress casual, the family requests no flowers, instead donations are to be made to a Relay for Life team set up in his honor. Dad did not want anyone else to ever go through this disease. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 164, Moses Lake, Wash, 98837. The family would also like to say a special thanks to Dr. Kearns, Annie Anderson, Dr. Steffans, Marty, Liz, Angie and Judy. You truly are special people.