The Cope’s were my second home. I grew up next door and literally went between our house and theirs everyday. Marilyn always kept an eye out for us and opened the back door to the two kids next door. She always had something cooking or baking in the kitchen and a welcome smile with NPR on the radio. John was always working on something or reading. He took us sailing, let us camp in the yard or boat and took us for ice cream with the dogs in the old land cruiser.  He was also my professor in college and I almost cried at the amount of red on my paper, but he coached me through it and made me a better writer.  The trips to Juanita Springs were extra special.   I have so many memories of both John and Marilyn. I am forever grateful and blessed to have been a part of this wonderful family.  May their love live on in each of you and may all the memories bring you peace and comfort. Love you all and sending lots of hugs. Letha 

My first recollection of Mr. Cope was my encounter with him as the instructor of my required General Education course in English Literature. Western State College was on the quarter system at that time (early 1960’s). I had at least one quarter with Mr. Cope, I believe it was in Poetry. He remained my mentor thereafter.

I eventually graduated from Western, the stars aligned, and I became an Assistant Professor of Speech and Drama in the same Arts and Humanities Division as John. That was about 12 years after I had been his pupil in the Gen. Ed class.

We became close colleagues and friends sharing problem-solving ideas on curriculum development in the Humanities. We spent several hours together working on revising the curriculum for English Literature and Composition and Speech and Drama when Western changed from the quarter system to the semester system in 1977. We collaborated on several department projects over our years together on the Humanities faculty at Western.

John’s principles about faculty responsibilities influenced my teaching and were a guidance to me when I served in administrative positions. For example, reading and writing are the primary essential skills for student success. Our department was charged to strengthen student proficiency in those skills. John believed we, as faculty, had an ethical responsibility to serve remedial students as best we could. If we accepted them as degree-seeking students, then we had an obligation to help them succeed.

John loved the English language and I think that his playing with words gave him immense pleasure. With his mastery of writing, he was an exemplar for his students and colleagues.

Off campus, John taught me how to build my own house, how to select stone to build a wall, and the value of craftmanship in building anything. And he took me sailing! He was enthralled with the sea. Much of his poetry is filled with ocean water references.

When Pat and I interacted with Marilyn -  visiting their home, engaging in conversation at campus functions and community events and participating with  her as fellow members of the Gunnison League of Women Voters - we found her to be a wonderful person committed to making the world a better place. We remember her fondly.

We  learned from John and Marilyn how to be good neighbors and colleagues. The Gunnison community will miss them immensely.  

Our sincere condolences to all - Frank & Pat Venturo

I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial service for John and Marilyn as I have prior commitments that cannot be changed.  What a shock to have both John and Marilyn pass away so close in time.  I really wish Marcia and I could have been able to attend, as it has been way too long since we all got together.

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