John Copeland

A Memorial Gathering for Dr. John B. Copeland, M.D., who passed out of this world on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the home of his son, Charles. All friends, and all those who worked with John, professionally and as volunteers, are invited to join in this gathering. John was born in Chico at home at 4th and Salem on August 8, 1919, to Ethel Tilden Faulkner and Edwin B. Copeland. Ethel Faulkner was born and raised in Chico, and Edwin B. Copeland was a professor at the Chico Normal School (now Cal State University, Chico). Dr. Oscar Stansbury officiated at the birth. It is said that Dr. Stansbury postponed a planned fishing trip with his son, Middleton because he could not leave until Ethel delivered. He was the youngest of five children, Herbert, Mary, Alice, Charles and John, and the only surviving sibling. He celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends just two weeks before his death. John attended elementary school in Chico until the second grade, when the Copeland's moved to Berkeley where he attended Hillside Elementary. Then the family moved to Baguio, Philippine Islands, when his father returned to the College of Agriculture, which he had founded and administered as Dean before John was born. After about three years in Baguio, John returned to San Francisco to live with his older sister, Mary Van Eckhardt. He graduated from Galileo High School and entered U.C. Berkeley, graduating in 1941. While at UCB, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and maintained close ties with his fraternity brothers for the rest of his life. He was also part of Naval ROTC, graduating as an Ensign. Immediately after graduation, he was ordered to report to duty and was sent to Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, after which he joined his first submarine, The Sea Raven, in Manila Bay. The boat was stationed in Manila at the time of the Japanese occupation, and his sub was ordered to flee only hours before the Japanese attacked. He often told the story that he was the officer in charge of provisions and that he had almost no warning that the boat would be leaving immediately, so food was a bit scarce when they finally reached safe harbor after many weeks at sea. In 1943, the Sea Raven was sent to Mare Island for re-fit. On April 15, 1943, he married Barbara Shanks, who was attending UCB at that time. The newlyweds then traveled to the East Coast, where John was sent to learn about being an Engineering Officer. He returned to duty on the Sea Raven, and again went to the war in the Pacific. In 1944, he was transferred to a boat being built in New London, the Boarfish, and he and Barbara lived in Mystic, Connecticut, while the boat was being made ready for duty. The Boarfish sailed from New London in the summer of 1944, and returned to the war in the Pacific. He ended his Naval duty with the rank of Lt. Commander. Immediately after VJ Day, those who had been on duty since the beginning were mustered out. John returned to California in September 1945. He entered UCSF Medical School in October 1945. The GI Bill of Rights paid for much of his education. He graduated in 1949, and after three years of residency, came to Chico in 1952 to practice as a Pediatrician. At the time, he was the only Pediatrician in the area. John's medical practice expanded to include General Practice. After 30 years of private practice, he joined the medical staff at Cal State University Chico, where he worked for about 15 years. In the 1950's and 60's, he served as examining physician for Children's Home Society, checking babies who were placed for adoption by the Society. For several years he served as Camp Doctor for the Butte Meadows Scout Camp, Camp Lassen. He joined Chico Rotary in 1958 and remained an active and inactive member, attending meetings until Spring 2009. He also was a member of Sirs #110, enjoying its meetings and taking several trips organized by members of the group. In retirement, John was involved in many volunteer activities including Bidwell Mansion Association, The Stansbury House, Park Watch, Nature Conservancy, Friends of Bidwell Park, and Native Plant Society. He attended CSU Chico every semester for the past 18 years, taking at least one course each semester, emphasizing biological and earth sciences and ancient and modern history. He also served on the Park Commission for several years. His "Broom Bashing" activities are well known among those interested in Native vs. Invasive plants in the area, as he initiated the fight against the spread of non-native, invasive Broom along Highway 32 and in Bidwell Park. For many years he led wild-flower walks in the foothills and in the areas surrounding Jonesville. He served as a docent at Vina Plains Reserve, established by Nature Conservancy, leading wildflower walks at the Reserve. As a teenager, while living in the Philippines, John did a bit of wood-carving. He resumed this hobby in retirement, working with a woodcarving group under Master Carver, Bill Mortensen of Paradise. The Copelands traveled the world after retirement, visiting Europe, Africa, Indonesia, China, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt and South America. Several trips included volunteer activities with Earth Watch and Global Volunteers, teaching English to elementary and high school students in Rota, Spain, counting birds in Southern France, and teaching English and repairing school buildings in a small village outside of Cilacap, Java. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; five children, Charles Copeland (Sally Foltz), Ellen Copeland, Paul Copeland (Margaret), Macy Kelly (Steve Crump) and Claudia Charter (Robert Smith); nine grandchildren, Joe Kidd, Charlie Kidd, Marion Copeland, John Charter, Ward Charter, Stella Copeland, Audrey Copeland, Adrienne Burg, Henry Burg, and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to Native Plant Society, any of the volunteer groups in which John was involved, or to the charity of your choice, c/o Brusie Funeral Homes, 626 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928, 530-342-5642.