Russell W. Copeland

Russell W. Copeland died on January 27, 2023, at his home in Bountiful, Utah with his wife of 67 years at his side. He was 87 years old.

Russell was born June 9, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Shirl and Alvera Copeland. He was the big brother to Shirlene Joiret. In 1940, he moved to San Francisco so his father could help build ships for the British. When the United States joined World War Two, Russell and his family moved to Richmond, California where his father continued to work in the shipyards.

After the war, the family moved to Concord, California, and it was there, while Russell was in High School, that he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Tate, when she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. They were later married on December 28, 1955. They had three children together: Allan (Gloria), Jill (Kevin Holbrook), and David.

Russell worked for the State of California as a Civil Engineer his entire career in California. He was also in the Navy Reserves and the Army Reserves for a total of eight years. After his retirement from the State of California, Russell and Patricia moved to Bountiful, Utah where he worked three more years for the State of Utah. After retirement, they enjoyed many years together traveling around the world seeing many amazing sights.

Russell was always active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities such as counselor in a Bishopric, Scoutmaster, temple worker, and served a mission together with his wife at the South Davis Care Center, which they both loved, and also a mission in Magna. He loved genealogy and did temple work for countless members of his family.

Russell is survived by his wife Patricia, three children, eight grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, all whom he loved very much and was so proud of.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.  He will be laid to rest at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 E. Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.