Raymond “Ray” Earl Cope
On the afternoon of May 31, 2020 Ray entered into eternal rest with his loving wife and son at his side, at Saint Peters Hospital in Helena Montana. Although recently diagnosed with Bladder Cancer his death was aggravated by his autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis which precipitated a pulmonary embolism. Ray was 79 years old.
Ray was born in Lewistown Montana to Charles Boyd Cope and Doris Ethelyn Mustard Cope. Ray attended schools throughout Montana and graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1959. Following graduation, he began working in the logging industry before entering the United States Army where he received his professional career training in drafting and served as battalion draftsman for an aviation battalion stationed in Germany. After completing his tour in 1962 he returned to Montana and again joined a logging crew before accepting a position with the Montana State Highway Department Bridge Division in Helena.
In 1963 while living in Helena, Ray met his soulmate Cheryl Lee Stevenson, they were married in 1964 and had a daughter Cheryl Rae before seeking out a warmer climate where they settled in Hanford California and Ray began working for Armstrong (Pirelli) Tire Company as a mechanical draftsman, doing machine layout, modifications, and design. He worked for Armstrong for 12 years before establishing his own successful business Valley Management Systems, a drafting and engineering firm with two fellow Armstrong colleagues which specialized in dairy and equipment design.
While residing in Hanford Ray and Cheryl were blessed with their son Steven Wyatt. They continued to reside in Hanford for 39 years raising their two children and being active in their community. Ray retired to his beloved state of Montana in 2005, however retirement was short lived as he soon began driving school bus for First Student in Helena and later for Harlows with a route in Montana City where he resided.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Doris Cope, and brothers Charles Boyd Cope, and James Ervan Cope.
Ray was a dedicated family man and is survived by his wife of 56 years Cheryl Lee Stevenson Cope, Cheryl Rae (Dan) Curcin (Daughter), Steven Wyatt Cope (Son), Granddaughters Morgan (Adan) Fonseca, Beth Curcin, Breanne (Eric) Torres, Great Grandchildren Hannah Fonseca, Aiden Fonseca, and Beckham Fonseca. Sister Helen Cope and numerous beloved Nieces and Nephews.
A viewing will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT on Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. With graveside services commencing Friday, June 12, 2020 at 11:00 am at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison Helena, Montana.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Saint Peters Hospital for their compassion while Ray was in their care. Additionally, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 355 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017 in Rays honor for a world without Myasthenia Gravis.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 12, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 12, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Roy Moreno says
Mrs.Cope so sorry to hear of Ray passing played several games of cribbage when he worked at First Student The last time I talked with Ray was not to long ago out side of St Pete you and him were walking out and I was going in again my since condolences
Vera West says
I feel at a loss for words. I had hoped that Ray would concur this last test. I will miss him. His sister, Helen and I are the two remaining Living cousins of this Cope family. My heart goes out to all of all of you.
Phyllis Marie Tintinger says
Ray was known as the “Grumpy Old Man” at First Student, was he, NO, Did he want you to think he was? Yes. I loved working with Ray, just do not tell him to do anything he did not want to do. HEHEHEHEHEHE. Ray and Cheryl are and always will be our great friends. My heart goes out to the family as they deal with this process, you have wonderful long term memories to share and laugh about. We will continue to make more memories as we share stories.
Tammy Cope-Uber says
Go rest now dear Uncle. Well done, good and faithful servant. You loved well, shared much, worked hard and laughed often. See you in the air! Love Tam
Louise Zwickl says
So sorry Cheryl,hope you are doing fun . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Helen Cope says
Little brother Pud. Do you remember that was our special name for you? I hope some of your last memories were of when you were a little boy and much loved and spoiled by your older brothers and sister. For years I treated you as a doll, curling your hair, dressing you, carrying you or pushing you in a buggy. I smile when I remember. I hope that sometimes you remembered. Now it is time for your family to remember all their special moments. Bless you all. Your sister, Helen
Jeff Applin says
I will miss talking shop with Ray. He would stop me on occasion as I rode by his house on my motorcycle and
we would discuss the finer points of classic motorcycles and cars. He was a great neighbor and he will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ray’s family during these difficult times.
Jeff Applin