Russell Isaac Copley

Born on July 10, 1949 to parents George and Elizabeth (Russell) Copley in Inverness. Russell lived in his beloved hometown and grew to be a genuinely kind, caring, and generous man, loved and respected by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Russell grew up on MacKenzie Avenue in the “Red Rows” as a young child with many fond memories which turned into many stories throughout his life. Completed school in Inverness and was a member of the Glee Club school band and he loved to sing. Throughout the school years he would regretfully take the advice of his brothers to “skip school” to go hunting or fishing. After graduating from high school, he began what would be a 34-year career travelling to the pulp & paper mill in Point Tupper, NS. During his years at “the mill” he worked with many great coworkers and after retirement he would speak fondly of them and tell stories of the times they had, and the antics they would get up to.

In the mid-1970s at a dance in Margaree, the clean-cut, tall, and handsome Russell caught the eye of a young Trudy Tingley, and shortly after on June 26, 1976, they would be wed at Margaree Valley Baptist Church and begin their life together in Inverness and recently celebrated 47 years of married life. Together, Russell and Trudy would have and raise two loving daughters and a son, who truly adored their father.

Throughout his life, baseball was his passion. Russell’s nickname was always “Coach” for years. There was nobody who loved playing a double-header in the scorching summer heat more than Russell. In his younger years, he was an exceptional player, known for his fastball as a pitcher. After his playing days, Russell spent two decades of his life coaching and umpiring for Inverness Minor Baseball, where he would go on to win nine provincial titles, various tournaments, organized baseball clinics for hundreds of kids and be named Coach of the Year by Baseball Nova Scotia.

The game of baseball was not only a way for Russell to teach the sport, but it was also a way for him to mentor and inspire a generation of young boys to work hard, to be respectful, and to strive for greatness. He has left a lasting impression on many a ballplayer from Inverness, NS. People who would talk baseball during visits with Russell would marvel at how he could remember statistics, plays and RBI’s from games played years ago. Winning the game wasn’t Russell’s priority, but giving all kids a chance to play the game was.

Russell was a coach for both male and female teams for Inverness Minor Hockey and served on the board of directors for Inverness Arena. He was also a horseman at Inverness Raceway, earning awards on occasion and he served as the President of the Inverness Raceway for several years, during which time the new paddock barn was built, something he was very proud of.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who truly loved hunting and fishing, particularly with his brothers, and they share many a tale, some true, about all the adventures they spent in the woods and on the water. His love for the outdoors lives on through his children and their children.

His contributions to his community included his selflessness, gentle nature, humor, and humbleness and kindness. He was genuinely interested in everyone and noticed all the little things. Russell was a devoted

fan of the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey team and Cincinnati Reds baseball teams which he would watch faithfully with a bag of plain chips and Pepsi. If his teams were not playing, he would always cheer for the underdog.

Over his lifetime, Russell faced several health-related challenges, beating cancer and living out his last 18 years with Parkinson's Disease diagnosed in 2005. He handled every obstacle with grace, stoicism, humour and humility, never uttering a complaint, with the support and care of his loving wife, Trudy. During those years, Russell took many trips with his family, and would enjoy spending time on the Margaree River.

Russell was an inspiration to all who knew him. His passing will leave many saddened, but his legacy and his memory will fill the lives of his family and loved ones for many years to come.

Russell’s faith was cornerstone of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his family takes comfort in knowing he will be in peace in Heaven for eternity and we will be reunited again.

Russell is predeceased by his father, George Copley; mother, Elizabeth Copley (Russell); sisters, Georgina Copley, Kaye Reid (Bill), Caroline Walker (Jordy), Jean Walker (Alexander); sister-in-law, Edith Copley. He is survived by his wife, Trudy Copley (Tingley); daughter, Amy Smith (Nick); son, Kevin Copley (Jennifer); daughter, Victoria Copley (Jason); sister- Genevieve MacMillan (Angus), brothers, Edward Copley (Marie), George Copley Jr., James Copley (Anne); his five grandchildren, Zack Smith, Charlie Copley, Alexander Copley, Elliott Smith, and Julia Copley, and many very special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Special Thanks to his family physician Dr.Suzanne Egar with her excellent care over the years. Special thank you to the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital staff who cared for him during his month admission. Also, thank you to the Home Support Staff for providing supportive care over the last several years. Thank you to The Foyer Pere Fiset Long Term Care home where Russell was living the past two months. He developed many relationships with the residents and staff. Finally, thank you to the Sacred Heart Hospital staff for treating Russell with their compassionate care in his final moments. Thank you to the Inverness Funeral Home.

Visitation will take place in Inverness Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 3pm-7pm.

Funeral Mass will be held in Stella Maris Church, Inverness on Thursday, Aug 10, 2023 at 11:00.

A private family only graveside burial in St. Matthew's United Cemetery, Strathlorne.

Reception at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 at 15857 Central Avenue, Inverness after burial.

Donations can be made to the Parkinson's Society of Nova Scotia or to Inverness Minor Baseball.

www.parkinsonsocietynovascotia.com

[email protected]

Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com