I met Tom in the summer of 2009 when he was picking up trash at Torrey Pines.  He would take a break to read his newspaper in the sun before walking back home.  Tom didn’t stop until late 2019 or early 2020 when he physically could not continue.  I was there with him when he turned back to his condo instead of crossing the train tracks.  Tom is well known and appreciated for his service to the beach and trails.  A successor named Bruce now does the work.  Tom has many fans, a reluctant local celebrity.
Tom loved the sun.  Even on his last day he was still deeply tanned.  He liked to lay on his deck reading the Wall Street Journal and the Union Tribune.  He watched the news every day all afternoon and evening.
Tom was not a morning person.  I spent many evenings on his couch enjoying a libation while we watched the news.  He liked Irish Cream and Amoretto.  Sometimes I could get Tom to tell me stories but he was deeply private.  He had a way of leaving his audience wanting more.
I miss Tom terribly.  I can hear him saying, “You’re missing the sun!”
-Tom’s Lady Friend

Tom grew up mostly in the Wedgewood area in Seattle, but attended Ravenna elementary when we lived on 19th. He graduated from
Roosevelt High School, attended Stanford for a year and graduated from U of W with a B, A. and then got a MBA. He jobs included being a senior auditor for National Cash Register and many other companies traveling around the world. He bought a condo in Del Mar and lived there many until his passing. He retired at 56 and spent 30 years walking 12 miles a day on the Del Mar beach picking up litter. He said most of what he picked up was dumped in the ocean by cruise  and Navy ships. He dragged lobster traps from the water and encountered snakes in hills near the ocean. A bench in Del Mar is dedicated to him so his public service and memory is preserved. Tom had lots of lady friends, was active in local charities and loved football. I’ll miss you, Tom,, but your dry wit and sharp humor with stay with me. Much love, Sister Judy

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Thomas Coppage

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Thomas Theodore Coppage

September 15, 1937 – April 13, 2026

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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