George Arthur Cope Jr.

George (G.A.) Cope, Jr. -- decorated World War II veteran, businessman, outdoorsman and husband -- died on August 13 at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 96. During World War II, Mr. Cope served as a U.S. Navy commanding officer of a minesweeper in the Pacific. He supervised 35 men in a mission to detect and neutralize enemy mines. His service earned him several awards including two battle stars for the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign and a WWII Victory Ribbon with one star. The minesweeping work posed many risks, and Mr. Cope spoke with great pride that he got his men “home safe for Christmas.” Following active military duty, Mr. Cope served in a civilian position in Naval Intelligence.

Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on March 13, 1918, Mr. Cope loved the outdoors and he became an avid fisherman and hunter. He attended the University of Utah before leaving for Washington D.C. to begin his career with the government as a messenger for the Library of Congress earning $12 a week! In 1955, he returned to Idaho Falls with his bride, Marjorie Batrus, who had also lived and worked in Washington D.C. during the war. Together they formed life-long friendships and celebrated life in the West. Mr. Cope was a general contractor, and he built many beautiful homes in the city, including his own. Its lovely interior and modern spaciousness were featured in the local newspaper. He later acquired a Royal Crown Bottling company based in Idaho Falls which he expanded to Salt Lake City.

Mr. and Mrs. Cope retired to Boca Raton, Florida, in 1978. They were married for 54 years until his beloved Marjorie passed away in 2009. At age 94, Mr. Cope returned to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight trip to visit the WWII Memorial. At age 95, he returned to his home in Idaho for one last visit. George Cope is survived by nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends in Florida, Idaho and around the country. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, at 1 p.m. at the Remembrance Chapel, Boca Raton Mausoleum, 451 Southwest 4th Avenue, Boca Raton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight, http://www.honorflight.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Babione Funeral Home, Boca Raton, FL.