Belton Allyn Copp IV

Belton Allyn Copp IV died peacefully at his home in Old Lyme Connecticut, on September 27th, 2011, at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eugenie Tyler Copp, his four children, Allyn, Lucy, Betsey, and Genie, his brother Dan Copp, and his sister Betsey Copp Halsey, eight grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Belton was born on May 27, 1920 to Elizabeth (Thoeming) and Belton Allyn Copp III in Chicago Heights Illinois, and was raised in Memphis Tennessee. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1938, from Yale in 1942, and that same year joined the Navy. On Febuary 7, 1945, as captain of PT boat 373, Belton led a two-boat squadron into Manila Harbor on a reconnaissance mission. He lost his left arm as a result of this action and was awarded a Silver Star for “gallantry in action,” and a Purple Heart. He was further honored when General Douglass McArthur returned to Manila on PT boat 373.

In 1947 Belton graduated from Yale Law School, and was employed by ‘Waller Anderson & Smith’ in New London before starting his own firm in 1951. While attending Yale Graduate School of Conservation, he was appointed the Connecticut Commissioner of Fish and Game (1953-55). Belton was a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District in 1964, served as a governor on the Board of Education from1991 to 1996 and had an enduring interest in environmental conservation. He was a Trustee, Director or President of various land conservation organizations and other charitable institutions in Old Lyme and New London.

Having lived in Old Lyme, CT since 1948, Belton was a recognizable jogger on all the roads around the area. He also took great pleasure in his ranches, one in Alberta, Canada, and one in Dubois, Wyoming. Belton delighted in philosophy, poetry and politics. A friend of every kind of person, his love of song, adventure and a job well done brought great joy to those around him.

There will be a celebration of Belton’s life on Saturday, October 8th, at 3:00pm. It will be held at his house in Old Lyme, CT. Friends are welcome.

Donations in Belton’s memory can be made to:

The Conservation and Research Foundation, PO Box 909, Shelbourne, VT, 05482 or

The Old Lyme Land Trust, PO Box 163, Old Lyme, CT, 06371.