John:

John Q. Cope, III of Gunnison passed peacefully the evening of 3/15/25 at the age of 90. His family surrounded him in love as he transitioned. John was raised in El Cerrito, CA. where he had access to his dad’s shop and taught himself the McGuyver skills we all knew and loved. As a young boy, John built and successfully tested his own aqualung. After high school, John attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA where he met his wife- Marilyn Matter. When John was offered a teaching position at WSC in the English department the two moved to the mountains where they raised their family and have lived ever since.  John was known as a poet. His works include The River, pieces in Geography of Hope, and hundreds of other pieces. He was rarely seen at family (or other) gathering without his man- bag full of pencils, paper, and poems. In summers when college wasn’t in session, John found work in the hay fields, and later taught himself stone masonry. His masonry work can still be seen all over town. John was preceded in death by his parents (Jake and Mary), sister (Emy Peterson), and grandson Nick Pike. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and their daughters and their families- Ann (Connie Carlson), Mary (Woody Arnold), Amy (Rick Pike), Gail (Rich Purcell) and grand children Nancy Wynstra-Cope, Domenica Jubic, Mario Sciacca, Maddie Pike, and Rex Purcell. Other survivors include niece and nephews Carol, Jim, Tom, and brother in law Al. Very special thanks to Mario Sciacca for taking such AMAZING care of Grandpa. Also to Domenica La Capra, Shannon Frias, and Liz Anderson; and to GVH Hospice. Your kindness meant the world to all of us. 

Marilyn:

Marilyn L. Matter Cope passed away July 5th 2025 after having suffered brain trauma from a fall.  She spent the last days of her life being loved and cared for by her 4 daughters and other family members at Ann’s home in Loveland, CO.

Marilyn was born and raised in Seattle WA. She attended Whitman College in Walla Walla WA where she studied English and Education and met her future husband John Cope. The couple moved to Gunnison CO in 1959 as John had been hired to teach English at Western State College. There Marilyn and John raised a family and lived until the end of their lives.

In Gunnison Marilyn taught preschool for ten years. She loved working with children. Earlier in her life, Marilyn taught elementary school, and before that was a camp counselor at an Easter Seal camp for kids with disabilities.

The natural world and outdoors have always been home for Marilyn. She served on the ski patrol at Mt. Rainier during her college years. Gunnison winters found Marilyn and John cross-country skiing with friends. In summer and fall she enjoyed the outdoors with her women’s hiking group.

Marilyn was interested in democracy. She was involved for a time in AAUW. She also served for many years in Gunnison’s League of Women Voters.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters Ann (Connie Carlson) Mary (Dwight Arnold), Amy (Rick Pike) and Gail (Rich Purcell)  and grand children Nancy Wynstra-Cope, Domenica Jubic, Mario Sciacca, Maddie Pike, and Rex Purcell. Other survivors include niece and nephews Carol, Jim, Tom, and brother in law Al.

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