Michael Eugene Copas
February 6, 1958 — June 6, 2014
Michael Eugene Copas, 56, of Friday Harbor, Wash. died Friday, June 6, 2014 in a motorcycle accident in Skagit County.
He was born on Feb. 22, 1958 in Seattle, Wash., the son of Wilburn and Frances Gretchen (Sherer) Copas.
Michael joined San Juan County in 1995, starting out on the Roads crew, then as an engineering technician, responsible for utilities inspections. He was promoted to ER&R Fleet Manager in 1999.
His fellow employees appreciated his intelligence, his sense of humor, and his practical and down-to-earth nature. Prior to his San Juan County experience, Mike worked at Boeing as a facilities project manager.
Mike enjoyed spending time at home working around the house and in his shop and spending time with friends. Over the years he spent time fishing on his boat and was a crew member of a hydroplane boat racing team.
In more recent years, he became a fan of Nascar, and on the weekends you could find him in his favorite chair cheering on his favorite driver. He spent time traveling to different areas of Arizona, where he hoped to move and retire to.
Most of all, Mike loved his motorcycle. He loved riding whenever he could, and always looked forward to his yearly ride with the “guys.” Mike loved the sense of freedom he got when he was out on the road.
Mike is survived by his wife, Reni Copas; stepsons, Chad Cymbalista and Cory Cymbalista; stepdaughter, Taffy Groce; step-grandchild, Aliyah Jeffries; mother, Gretchen Nelson; stepfathers, Richard Delbrouck and Gordon Sargent; brother, Scott Nelson; and sister, Cory Nelson.
There will be a short service, followed by a Celebration of Life for Mike on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 2-5 p.m., at his home, 28 Glen Oak Lane in Friday Harbor. Please bring a dish and memories to share.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Anacortes, Wash. and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Mike, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
— Family of Michael Copas
