Colin Edward Copeland (retired L.Col) age 84, passed away peacefully September 20 2017 after a lengthy illness and courageous battle, with his loving wife Rita (Murray) and family by his side.

Born June 11, 1933 in Liverpool England, Colin grew up during the Great Depression and WWII, facing many childhood hardships. In 1938 he spent two years in an orphanage following the death of his father. Then like many children during the war, Colin needed to leave his family for safety in Wales. He was not one to dwell on the negative, but focused on the positive and rarely spoke of these struggles.
Despite adversity, Colin recognized the importance of education. He apprenticed as a mechanical engineer from 1949 to 1955 with D. Napier & Son Ltd in Liverpool, while at the same time pursuing his education in the engineering industry. He graduated from the Institute of Production Engineers in 1956. He was then recruited that year by the RCAF as and officer and emigrated to Canada. He then began his lengthy and successful career until his retirement in 1986 with 30 years service with the RCAF. Following this Colin then went back to work for the Department of National Defense, retiring again in 1995.

Colin was loved by many, and will be remembered for his strength of character, love of all things British, love of his family, his witty sense of humour and love of a good story always told with a twinkle in his eye.

Colin is predeceased in 1998 by his first wife of 37 years Gladys Copeland (Carlson), parents Helen and James Copeland, brothers Frank (Dorothea), and Denis (Esther) and sister Margaret (Victor) and granddaughter Ella.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rita (Murray) of 14 years, by his children David, Kathryn, Lynda (Scott Boyce) and Brenda (Jim Shantz)and Rita's children, Linda (Tim Willis), Gary and Mark. Colin was a much loved and proud Grandfather to his grandchildren: Ian (Sabrina), Krystina, Jennifer, Hannah, Sophia, Andrew, Matthew, Naomi, Joshua, Ashley, Kayena and Avery. He is fondly remembered as “Uncle Will” by many nieces and nephews both in Canada and the UK.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 in the Sacred Space of Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa at 10 o'clock with interment to follow in the National Military Cemetery of Canada at Beechwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society grateful appreciated.