Franklin Copley

With immense sadness we announce the death of Franklin Alfred Copley at our home on June 24th, 2023.

Frank was born in Victoria BC March 23rd 1938, to parents Frank and Beatrice Copley.

He was predeceased by his parents, his youngest sister Helen Copley, his nephew Ron Carlow, and his sister-in-law Barbara Foster.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Frank leaves in sorrow his wife Ruth; son Frank Copley (Nancy), Langford; daughters, Maureen Lomax (Phil & Valentina), Langley and Tanya Jensen (Kirk), Armstrong.

He had six cherished grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Ty Lomax (Brooke), Annelise Jensen, Maia Copley, Jacob Lomax, Torben Jensen and Maury Copley. He leaves behind his brother, and best friend, Rob Copley (who married Ruth’s sister, Jeanie) and beloved sister Pat Boon. Also survived by his sisters-in-law, Maureen Martyn (Marty), Marylou Eales (Ian), Jaymes Foster and her son Parker; his brother-in-law, David Foster (Katharine); many special cousins, nieces and nephews; and his former son-in-law, James Lomax (Sherri).

Frank attended Cloverdale, McKenzie, Mount View schools and Victoria College before graduating from UBC.

Frank’s early years were spent on Inverness Street and McKenzie Bight. Here, he and his family spent summers in a wood cabin, working for the family logging company, Copley Bros. That land is now part of Gowlland Tod Park.

Later, the family moved to acreage on Carey Road, where their farm, airstrip, and business operated. This property is now the Northridge subdivision, which includes Copley Park.

Frank briefly taught high school in North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, and Burnaby before moving on to the industrial business world. He was service manager with BC Equipment, Van Eco, Purvis Ritchie, and Case Tractor, among others. These jobs took his family to Prince George, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Belcarra, Agassiz, and Deep Bay before they finally moved back to his hometown of Victoria.

In later years, Frank owned and operated his own automotive businesses in Langford and Port Moody. Finally, at 81 years old Frank “retired”, but continued working at Dolly’s Home Hardware in Qualicum Beach.

Frank had a brilliant mind; he loved investigating technology. He was a born teacher, a jack of all trades, and could fix anything from washing machines to computers to cars. He loved animals, especially his cat, George. He remodeled all our family homes. He loved reading, world history, the military, flight and aircraft (he had his pilot’s license at age 15), politics, gardening, camping, and his woodpile, but most of all he loved his family.

To honour Frank’s wishes, there will be no service. Together with Frank, we celebrated his life on April 7 at our family reunion.

Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations may be made to the David Foster Foundation, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.