On Nov. 26, 2022 David Coplin passed peacefully in his sleep, 9 weeks after a 4wheel accident and in a battle with cancer. In that time his children and grandchildren spent precious moments with him.
His surviving children are Michael Coplin, Randy Coplin, Brian Coplin and Debra Coplin-Valdisera (Tim). He is also survived by grandchildren: Jose Serrano (Lisa), Tony Serrano and Tara Serrano; great-grandchildren: Jared Brown, Rae (Sedona) Serrano, Jasmin Serrano and Cody DeBride.
His surviving siblings are Beverley Pudder Zinn (Gary), Robert (Butch) Garrison (Sandra), Betsey Garrison-Frush, Kim Garrison-Brown, John Garrison and Nancy Garrison. As well as several nieces, nephews and others.
Preceding him in death, Gerrie Coplin (wife); Forest and Elsie (parents); Robert Coplin (son); Kitten Garrison-Bensen (sister) and William Pudder (brother).
David was born in West Virginia. At 16 years old he headed west to Montana.
Dave and Gerrie met and married in Livingston Montana and were married 57 years. They celebrated a 50-year anniversary surrounded by family and friends before she passed in 2014. He dearly missed his companion, the love of his life.
He was a talented artist drawing wildlife and caricatures. He was a truck driver, worked road construction and was an outfitter’s guide. He was active in the Capital City 4wheeler’s club, clearing trails for the Forest service. He loved hunting, fishing, boating and scouting Montana’s trails with others. His nickname was Hawkeye because he could see beyond others. He knew all the trails and best hunting areas, a true outdoorsman.
David lived a full life and valued family and friends. Many describe him as a tenderhearted soul. He was dedicated to making sure that family was well taken care of. He possessed compassion, integrity and was a hard worker, with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed many of his years over coffee in the company of friends.
Thank you, Dad, for being an amazing role model. Your tenderhearted, loving heart will be with us all forever.
Flowers or condolences can be sent c/o Anderson Stevenson Wilke.
A Viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Rd., with a burial to follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A Reception will follow the service at the church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday December 10, 2022
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday December 10, 2022
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dana Petersen says
Coplin Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Dave’s Passing! I have many memories of the ATV rides with Dave, I will cherish those memories forever. Find us some more Riding Dave, for when we all meet up again… RIP my Friend!
Doug Abelin says
I am a Member of CTVA , want to remember David Coplin, as one of our most supportive Members , as he always was willing to participate in whatever activities, rides, guide, fence builder, trail clever, erosion repairer, culvert installer or sidewalk supervisor, for many years. He attended most club meetings, Forest service travel planning, and activity guide at our camp outs. He could be asked about nearly all trails and routes, their condition, and ways to improve them. He remembered what, when, how and if we had done,need to do or what we had lost, in the negotiations we tried to work out with the many Public land Managers we have worked with. I and all that met David will fondly remember, and miss him Dearly! THANKS David for being our Friend!
Beverley Zinn says
Nearly seventy years ago my brother David and I were separated and lost contact, due to a family tragedy. During the next six decades, I mourned this loss and wondered what had become of my brother, praying that he was alive and living a good life. Six years ago a miracle occurred, when David found me! (Bless the internet.) Since then, we worked hard to make up for those lost years, with several reunions, weekly telephone conversations, and more recently monthly Zoom visits with our extended families. Dave’s passing hurts terribly, but I and my family are consoled that we now know much of Dave’s life story, that he had a full, wonderful life. I am so grateful that we had those few precious years to get reacquainted, meet Dave’s children, and enrich our family ties. Dave, I have always loved you and I am thankful for having you and your family in my life.
Mike Sedlock, CTVA President says
I met Dave many years ago and recall that Dave was always supportive of CTVA and involved in many of our work projects. He definitely will be missed for that and his many other traits.
Bob (Butch) Garrison says
From David’s eastern family, I send prayers and thoughts for Dave and his family. As sister Bev Zinn so very well put it, David was a miracle blessing to all of us. He became a member of our family immediately. He was kind, thoughtful and very proud of his family.
His loved his elk and grouse hunting, ATV rides and very dedicated to his family. Wish he had discovered us earlier, but we will cherish every moment we spent with him.
He made several trips to visit us back east. Wife Sandy and I were privileged to visit Dave in Helena 3 years ago. We got to meet his family Mike, Randy, Brian and Debbie. I hope we can stay in contact with this great bunch.
He is greatly missed by all. A great brother, man and friend. Love to all.
Dan & Flo Jenkins says
We are greatly missing our dear friend, Dave. He spent a lot of time at our house visiting and reminiscing about trucking, 4 wheeling, past jobs and family. He shared some of his drawings with us. We always felt safe 4 wheeling with Dave as our leader. He always knew where he was going as well as all the names creeks, gulches and mountains. To kill time he used Google Earth on his computer to check out trails and areas around Jardine and Yellowstone Park where he worked when he was a young man. He could tell how they had changed since he was there. He had the best memory of anyone we have ever known. We will always cherish these memories. We can’t say enough about Dave. Rest in peace Friend
Betsey Frush says
I got to meet Dave 6 years ago when he found our family again. He left right before I was born so I didn’t know him but the rest of the family talked of him frequently so I felt like I knew him. Once I met him, I realized how easily he fit in with the extended family again. We loved him, his personality, his art and his laughter. I am so glad God gave me a chance to really know him. What a gentle man he was.
To his children, I am so sorry for your loss and hope your memories will lessen the missing of him. Love you all!