rocky was one o/my two best friends at mcgeorge.  was 6'9" tall, i am 5'3" in heels.  he was t/tallest person in our law school class, i was t/shortest.  he played 1st base on my softball team 'guava jam.'  we almost t/school championship our freshman year.  to this day i blame myself for losing t/championship because i did not scout the team we played for t/championship before our game.  may he rest in peace.   think of him often, and love miss him deeply and dearly.

i had 2 best friends in law school.  rocky was 1 o/them.  he was 6'9", i am 5'3" in heels.  tallest & shortest guys in school.  mutt & jeff.  drove cross country in a tiny orange honda civic to get there!  he played 1st base on our very good freshmen softball team, 'quava jam'.  took our division.  always hit it up t/middle past t/pitcher, & between short stop & 2nd.  fridays it was always "buckets" on t/school's outdoor 1/2 court.  also played in a city league w/him.  made me a better player.  went abalone diving w/him up on t/northern coast.  always got our limit at this secret spot that was only about 8-10' deep.  had a great time in law school, largely because o/rock.  love you, miss you, always in my thoughts, even before this.

        I was so sorry to hear about Rocky.  He will be so missed.  What a great guy, and what a super family he has.
   
       I had the privilege of being the court reporter for many of his depositions the past approximately 25 years.  He brought a special energy to each proceeding.  I was entertained when things got rough in the proceeding, because Rocky never backed down.  
      
       Rocky often told little stories involving his family during the break or after the proceeding.  It was neat to see how much he truly loved you all, and it was very obvious.  I couldn't believe how much energy he had.  Aside from working so hard, he was doing so many other things, just living life to the fullest: music, fishing trips, basketball, fund raising for someone in need, etc., always grinning ear to ear telling me about the different things.  
        
        Rocky always looked after me, as the court reporter, during the proceeding, making sure to protect the record.  I took advantage of the fact that I could hear better than Rocky.  This removed the stress of not being able to hear the witness, because if someone was soft-spoken, Rocky would always ask them to repeat themselves, making my job easy.  But one day, several years ago, we had a very soft-spoken witness that I was having trouble hearing, but Rocky had no problem.  I'm thinking, "What's going on here?"  Sure enough, I looked closely at Rocky's ears, and you could barely see these little hearing aids.  I called him on it during the break.  He was all excited and told me how much they were, the best that money could buy.  Shoot.
        
         When I think of Rocky now, I immediately pray that you would all have great memories and peace, and the Lord would comfort you.

        Sincerely,
       Brad Woods


          

Dear Copley Family:

I was so shocked and saddened to read of Rocky's passing and only learned of it a few days ago.  Rocky was a great guy and a terrific lawyer.  He was a very sincere, hard working professional and his successes in practice are proof of his talent, commitment to excellence and care for his clients and fellow human beings.  We worked together over the years and it was always a pleasant and satisfying experience.  He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Warmest wishes and deepest condolences,

Judge Vic Bianchini

The first time I ever saw Rocky was 23 years ago and he was playing guitar with Patty as his adorable sidekick, acting out a hilarious duet of "Taxi" by Harry Chapin at a birthday party.  That was the perfect imprint of meeting Rocky (and Patty)! Patty's big line:  "Harry, keep the change."  The smile has never left my face since.  Rocky brought music and love and laughter to every gathering and I loved his focus on the old ballads and folk music as we struggled to remember the words of those bygone tunes.   His voice was soft and true.  His songbook was a gift and he was SO generous with ALL of his gifts.  I read each memory here and to see the whole of who he was, what he accomplished, and how he chose to live his life is profoundly moving.  The tallest, biggest kid  was also the sweetest kid.  Popularity and athletic gifts only brightened his kind heart, when it could have easily spoiled a kid or teen in those developmental years.  It is clear what was deeply important to him--loving his family, helping and mentoring, bringing the joy of music, supporting others, bringing clarity and equity in a complicated, sometimes unfair world, oh, and BASKETBALL! :)  Rocky demonstrated just how good one life and one man can be.  His songs will be forever in my heart and we will continue to rock on and celebrate Rocky!  Forever love to Erin, Caitlin, Patrick and our precious Patty.  

Our family were neighbors of Rocky's in Hampton VA.  I have such great memories of our times in the neighborhood with the Copley's.   During my sister's illness (with a sarcoma cancer) he reached out to me to check on how she was and send his love.  He kept in touch periodically reminiscing on the neighborhood days.    My prayers have been with Rocky during his illness and at his passing.  They continue to be with him and his family.  He was a great guy and will always be special to our family.  I know he is in heaven entertaining my sister playing his guitar.  



Rocky helped our family, as he did so many others, in a great time of need.  His compassion and understanding was invaluable and his professionalism got the job done.  He became our friend and we will miss him deeply.   Our prayers are with his family today.

I started my own law firm about three years ago. I worked at big firms before but I had no clue about running my own firm and didn't really know anyone to talk to, to strategize with about potential cases or ask for feedback. I joined the CASD listserve and one day I posted a message asking for help. The first person that responded to me was Rocky. He gave me a call and asked me about my case and told me he had a similar case. He was really friendly and just excited to talk about the law and the facts, and our clients. He didn't try to take my case away from me, or make me feel like I was in over my head. Instead he offered to help me out in any way he could. He sent over samples of discovery and pleadings and also shared information he had obtained in his case. Rocky was a cool guy, he was a nice guy. He didn't have a chip on his shoulder like a lot of older more experienced attorneys do. He was always there to help out younger attorneys and give his insight. To the Copley family, please know, and I'm sure you do, that Rocky was a really good guy, a straight shooter, who liked talking about the law, and helping others out. I wish I had the chance to get know him better, but from all the post I see it clearly shows he made an impact on others as well, even with a small connection. Thanks Rocky for your help and always being available to help others.  

I first met Rocky on the basketball court at Kecoughtan H.S. We were just kids in elementary school. Playing on the big court at Kecoughtan was a big deal to us. Rocky played for Philips Elementary and I played for Cary Elementary we were on rival teams but, Rocky and I got to be good friends . We met again at Syms jr. High and our friendship went on through our High School days at Kecoughtan H.S. Rocky you were a friend to many people around Foxhill and Buckroe, you will be missed old friend, until we meet again may god bless us all.  
Shorty Jones

RIP Rocky...KHS 73 Classmate, Nicest Guy in School...Exemplary, Talented...Will be Missed by  So Many.   Sympathy and prayers to family and friends ...
Always take comfort in knowing that he now resides with the Angels......and will be with  you always... 
Diana Marshall Hall KHS 73

I was deeply saddened when I received the news about Rocky. He & I go way back, many of years - since eighth graders at Benjamin Syms Junior High School in Hampton, Virginia.  That was 1968. Then on to Kecoughtan High School. Rocky was always the star basketball player at these schools. In many ways he was the spirit of our Kecoughtan High School Class of 1973. We had many classes together and shared many of laughs.  He was always gracious with his time and a lifetime friend.  He was and will always be "The Rock".  Kecoughtan High School Class of 1973 will never forget you!
Rest in peace my friend!!
Jon Alexander
Roswell, GA

I can't believe your gone.
Your dad, my dad, your mom, my mom.
We had the best. 
You were there when I needed your help like a brother I never had.
Rocky you will always be in our hearts and truly missed.
That Copley smile was always a trait.
We will all be together once again singing playn that guitar.
Your memory is with us all.
You touched so many lives in so many ways, always making a difference.
Patty and kids, my heart felt sympathy for this great loss.
Hugs to you all.
 Miss ya.
Quita.

I will remember Rocky always.  He was my buddy, roommate, and teammate. We shared a dorm room our first two years at the University of Missouri, became great friends and shared many special times and family events together.  Our home is St. Louis became his home away from Virginia and my mother and sisters loved having Rocky around on our weekends  there.  I didnt see Rocky much after he transferred back to William and Mary to finish his degree as he was shortly afterwards off to the West Coast for the next chapter in his life.  We did however remain in touch over the years and I was so happy and proud of the great life he built for his wife Patty and the kids.  He will remain in the hearts of his Midwest Family forever! Most sincere sympathies to Patty, Caitlin, Erin and Patrick.  Rest in peace Rock and keep pickin and grinnin !!  Jim K. 

Rocky gave me my first job as a dangerously ignorant attorney right out of law school. He taught me millions of miles worth of law and how to act like a lawyer. We played guitar together, debated the value of Jack Daniels over Maker’s Mark, and reminisced about our origins in Virginia.
I now run the office into which Rocky hired me and I can tell you that he is in our thoughts everyday and with everything we do here. Best wishes to his family.  Have one on me up there old friend.

I was Supervisor of Claims for Armed Forces Insurance Ft Leavenworth KS .  Rocky and I worked several litigated claims together for over 25 years!  He came to Leavenworth on an annual basis to give the required CA SIU training to the claims and underwriting staff.  Rocky also participated in the annual United Way Golf Tournament .  Rocky was a wonderful  colleague and friend to all at AFIE!  So sorry for the loss of this wonderful man that was so proud of his loving family!  He will be missed by many!

Diana Willbanks (Retired AFI Claims Supervisor)

I became friends with Rocky after we met on list serve. He always was available to share his brilliant legal insight whenever he was called upon by me or anyone  requesting his advise. 
He eventually became my regular golfing buddy and although we were both self proclaimed challenged golfers we always enjoyed encouraging each other when either of us would occasionally  make a good shot. He would frequently call me to set up a round of golf with our usual foursome and regardless of how  poorly we played we always had a great time and many laughs. He always seemed to play better after he had a beer or two. I will miss his laughter , his sense of humor and his friendship. Love you Rocky!

Rocky was an awesome attorney, person and friend. Several times he volunteered to sing and play guitar at the annual blood drive I organize for the San Diego legal community. He was an amazing, happily married man and his family was everything to him. When my husband, George, was on life support after a sudden cardiac arrest in 2011, Rocky sat playing guitar at the courthouse steps with a jar and a picture of us to raise money for George's medical expenses. Rocky kept the jar underneath his desk, and every time I would go visit him, he would show me the jar so I could see how much he'd collected. Rocky was a kind and giving soul who certainly will be missed by all who knew him.

Rocky and I met at the neighborhood swimming pool in Hampton, VA, where I was a lifeguard. His house was next door to the pool, so when he got off from his summer job each day, he’d show up at the pool. He wasn’t hard to miss, towering over the rest of us with that mane of wild curly hair! We were nearly eye level when I was perched in my lifeguard chair! All the kids loved him and wanted to be able to call him friend, even the grade school youngsters.  He always had a smile on his face, a joke to tell, and a manner that made you comfortable in his presence.  He was naturally the “star” of Kecoughtan HS basketball team. The whole community knew Rocky.  My heart is sad for my friend, but more so for the family that mourns the loss of a husband and father.  Karla Roberts Kirtley, Charlottesville, VA

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rocky K Copley

1 février 1955 – 22 février 2020

Pacific Beach – La Jolla Chapel

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