I remember when I was in grade school Mr. Copland would come to Murphy Elementary Library with animal skins and talk about natural science.  The first time I ever skied was with Mr. Copland at 5th grade winter camp.  I got a pair of army surplus skis through Mr. Copland after that.  I ended up studying ski area management in college and having a career in Ski School/Ski instructor training in Colorado for 20 years.  I appreciate Mr. Copland's love for history and the natural world and his ability to share it.  I also appreciate his influence on his son (Robin) who was one of my favorite and most influential teachers. When I was in High School Robin was my art and photography teacher.  He brought the same passion and challenge to his classes that his Dad did.  This was meaningful to me because today my love for art, architecture, and photography is almost as great as my love for skiing.

Dear Sue, Rob and Bill,

Such happy memories I have of visiting you all, and with my family as well, at the cabin on the Island! Mr. Copeland was always a special teacher and one that had a positive effect on both Ed and I becoming life long teachers as well. Our daughter and her husband are both coaches and teachers, too.  It is a good life and Bob did so much to enrich the educational experience for so many kids.

Much Love to you all,

Laura (Kelley) and Ed Fisher

Bill and Liz,
We were sorry to hear of your father's death. You have been in our thoughts. You must feel comforted in knowing he left a legacy of the things he loved to the community.  The next time we are at Woldumar  we will think of him and thank him.
with sympathy, Bob and Marty Rutledge

"Don't peel the birch bark from the birch trees" was just one of the few words of wisdom that I carry with me from Mr. Copland. Was it possible that he was at EVERY swim meet during (Pattengill) Jr. High School, and had a positive comment after EVERY race? Many wonderful memories of his smile and support for so many of us adolescents. My sympathies to Mrs. Copland and Family, from our entire Family.

My condolences to the Copland Family. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Copland - gymnastics, gym class, square dancing, the log cabin -- He was one of a kind and the Haslett community was very lucky to have a teacher/mentor of his caliber.

I remember his smile so fondly and the log cabin with his students. He was a special man! What a loss, my heart goes out to his family.

My deepest sympathy to Mr Copland's family.  I say Mr Copland name and I smile, with the memories. I think of his laughter, how much he enjoyed being our teacher, how  he encouraged all of us to try harder, we felt special just being his student. I enjoyed his  square dancing and tumbling/gymnastic classes. Mr. Copland was a very energetic, special leader, he will be missed.

I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Bob's passing.  He was always very kind and had a great sense of humor.  Unfortunately, we lost touch after my parents divorced.  Spending time up north at the cabin was really special and something my sister and I will always remember!

I was sad to hear about Bob's passing.  Bob was special and one of a kind.  Bob visited my classroom several times to talk about the history of Haslett.  The children always enjoyed the old fashioned toys that he brought.  My condolences to your family.

My heart goes out to Mr. Copland's loved ones.  I have great memories of him teaching at the old Haslett Junior HIgh School on School Street many years ago.  I especially remember saying The Pledge of Allegiance in his class.  Great memories!

Mister Copland was a mentor to me ,and a great teacher.I will miss him deeply ,my regrets to his family.

Mr. Copeland, a wonderful part of childhood in Haslett. Square Dancing in 6th grade... will never forget it. He most definitely added a positive aspect to my life. Sad to read of his passing, condolences to his loved ones

Wow! The memories that flood in thinking about Mr. Copeland. From singing Christmas Carols at the cabin, to making and selling donuts at school, to him always being the first to stand up for a hymn at church, to taking students to lunch at McDonalds in Middle School, to him coming to the elementary school to lead square dancing. He had a true love for what he did and for his students! A true asset to the community and a blessing to all who had the privelage to know him! God Bless! RIP Mr. Copeland!

I have fond memoriesof Bob teaching outdoor education to my students, which I not only used with them, but also taught my family.  I will sadly miss the memorial service, as my mother passed at the same time. Thoughts & prayers are with him in a better place, as well as his family.

I have fond memories of Mr. Copeland and "Log Cabin Living". My sympathy to his family.

Mr. Copeland had a very profound effect on my life as a teen.  His love of the outdoors and all he brought to us as a teacher gave me my love for pioneer ways and outdoor living that I carry with me to this day.  I have been blessed to have known him.  Much love and respect.

My condolences to the Copland Family.  Mr. Copland had a Heart of Gold and smile that could make even the grumpiest swimmers smile after swimming around that island. Thank You for always making the Quaker girls feel welcome, supported & loved.  God Bless You!

I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mr. Copland from Haslett Jr. High as a gym teacher.  He was so much fun as a teacher leading us in gym class. I remember him teaching us  to square dance with the girls on a co-ed day once a week and Mr. Copland shouting out all the commands for us to follow in time. Now you know the boys weren't enjoying any of this at the time but it's a fond memory to look back on now. RIP Mr Copland...We will miss you!
Bill Hall
Class of 66

I always had a good time playing cards with Mr. Copland up at the cabin during swim camp.  He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Robert James Copland

20 July, 1922 – 29 January, 2011

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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