Raymond Clifford Copeman

73 years. Passed away at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital on Monday, March 5, 2012. Beloved husband of Jacquelyne. Dear father of Ray Jr. & Diane, Ron, Rhonda & the late Brian. Loving grandfather of Brian Jr. & Cassie, Robert and R.J. Dear brother of Howard & wife Pat, Betty, all of Regina and brother-in-law of Beryl, Gloria and Michael. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Shirley, Marion, Margie, Marie, brothers Eddie & Pat, sister-in-law Jerry & brother-in-law Gordon. Raymond was an O.P.P. Auxiliary Staff Sgt. for 37 years and retired from Casino Windsor in 2004. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 895 Ouellette Avenue (519) 254-3223 on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in the Anderson Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations made to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association’s Mosquito Bomber Project would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Raymond Clifford Copeman was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Raymond always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Raymond was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Raymond was born on October 14, 1938 at Gray Nunes in Regina, Saskatchewan. His parents were Ernest William "Bill" and Minnie (nee Bush) Copeman. Raymond was raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and Windsor, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Raymond possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Raymond was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Raymond was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Raymond was raised with 8 siblings. He had three brothers, Eddie, Pat & Howard and 5 sisters, Shirley, Marion, Margie, Marie & Betty. Raymond had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Raymond showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Raymond enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in playing hockey. He was a member of the local Air Cadets. In his spare time he liked building and playing with model planes, boats, cars and trains.

Friends and acquaintances found Raymond an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Raymond was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were too many to list.

On October 19, 1957 Raymond exchanged wedding vows with Jacquelyne Florence Menard at the Assumption Church of Windsor, Ontario. Raymond was attentive to Jackie's feelings, and he charmed Jackie and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Raymond was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Raymond identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Raymond and Jackie were blessed with three children, two sons, Ron & Ray Jr. and one daughter, Rhonda. They were also blessed with three grandsons, Brian Jr., Robert and RJ.

Raymond was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Raymond’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Raymond was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Raymond could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was law and security. He was employed for 30 years with the Dominion Stores, 10 with Casino Windsor and spent 37 years with the Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary.

Raymond enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were trains and planes. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Raymond was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included hockey, golf, fishing, baseball and pool. Raymond was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Toronto Maple Leaf hockey, curling and football.

Raymond was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Raymond worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Raymond was an active member of the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association Mosquito Bomber Project and the Centre for Seniors in Windsor.

Raymond was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Raymond was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Seniors Centre of Windsor and the Mosquito Bomber Project.

Raymond’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included "Kudos" from Casino Windsor, Marksmanship awards and a 25 year Service Medal from the Ontario Provincial Police.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Raymond truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included camping in Wheatley, Ontario.

Raymond was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Raymond’s favorites was Rocky, his dog. They were best friends for 9 years. His family was rounded out by his fish in his outdoor pond.

When Raymond’s retirement finally came in 2004, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved remaining in Windsor. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being involved in the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association's Mosquito Bomber Project.

Raymond passed away on March 5, 2012 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor, Ontario. Raymond fought a brave battle with C.O.P.D. and emphysema. He is survived by his wife Jackie, sons Ron and Ray Jr., daughter Rhonda and grandsons Brian Jr. & Cassie, Robert and RJ, his brother Howard & wife Pat, his sister Betty, sisters-in-law Beryl and Gloria and brother-in-law Michael as well as many nieces and nephews. Services were held on March 8, 2012 at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Windsor, Ontario. Raymond was laid to rest in Victoria Memorial Gardens in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Raymond was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Raymond had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Raymond Clifford Copeman.