On Friday, March 19, 2021, Charlie "Chuck" Copeland, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.

Chuck was born in 1942 in Ajo, AZ to James and Mary Lou. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Northern Arizona University. He taught Biology at Palo Verde High School from 1968 to 2002 in Blythe, CA. While teaching at Palo Verde High School, he met his wife, Kathy and were wed in 1975. They raised two children, Mary and Jim.

After retirement Chuck and Kathy spent their summers traveling and riding their ATVs. In 2012, they bought a cabin in Utah and enjoyed their summers hosting family and friends.

Chuck was an enthusiastic teacher, coach and outdoorsman. He taught many students throughout his career and coached high school football and softball, claiming girl sports were the hardest. He spent most of his weekends on the desert, riding his ATVs and introducing friends and family to wildlife and desert plants. He would say one of his biggest accomplishments was teaching his grandchildren how to ride ATVs and appreciate the outdoors. Chuck was also known for always having a smile on his face and telling lots of stories.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, James, his mother, Mary Lou and brother Donald. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, two children, Mary and Jim and three grandchildren, Lillian, Carter and Cannon.

Donations in honor of Chuck Copeland can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/charlie-copelands-fight-to-find-a-cure