Baker City, Oregon
Melvin Copley, 89, a longtime Baker City resident, died July 7, 2003, at his home.
It was Melvin’s wish to be cremated and not have any service. The family will have a celebration of his life at the ranch on July 19.
He was born on May 19, 1914, in Staples, Minn., to Hugh and Arva Copley. The family moved to California when Melvin was 7.
He received his education and spent his early years around the Los Angeles area, where he learned boxing, baseball and race car driving. Over the years, he worked as a roofer, a dryland grain farmer, a water well drilling contractor and a rancher. In retirement, he raised and raced thoroughbred horses, which gave him great pleasure.
Survivors include his wife Bobby; two stepsons, Charles Bush and Donn Copley, and their wives Michelle Bush and Rachel Copley; four grandchildren, Sherry and Ben Rush and Eric and Jordon Copley; his sister, Delores Olsen, and her two sons, Bobbie and Roland; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice or a charity of one’s choice through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 11, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor