COPELAND, JOHN EDWARD - The death of John Edward Copeland, of Saint John, occurred on Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing. John was predeceased by his parents, Samual and Jane (March) Copeland, by his first wife Barbara Nee (Greenfield) Copeland; a sister, Gladys M. Blackwell and a brother Brian A. Copeland, all from England. John is survived by a sister, Jean (Terry) McDermitt, two daughters, Jennifer Copeland and Gillian J. (Rev. Canon Peter) Hartley and several nieces and nephews in England. John served in WWII as a fitter class 11 in the Royal Air Force after which he finished his education and became a teacher. He taught at King Alfred's High School and the University of Southampton in Winchester, England. He was an ex. Lifeboat man in his community and quite an artist in his own right. John then came to Canada in mid July of 1968 with a new family. He taught at district # 8 Centennial School, day training school for Auxiliary Classes in Saint John (also holding the position of principal of that organization.) He taught at District #6 Rothesay Elementary School as the Resource Methods Teacher for exceptional Children from which he retired at the age of 65. John was extremely active in school activities, plays, staging props etc. He was active in his community serving on the School Board under Mr. Chandler. He was very active in church, serving as Lay Preacher at Long Reach Pastoral Charge, Kingston Peninsula. St. David's Church in Rothesay became his final home. He taught Jr.& Sr. High Sunday School. John's greatest love was children. When the Lay Ministers were away, he provided Lay reading & worship Services. John had a Bible study Group. He was also a strong supporter and was always ready and willing to help anyone. He was known for his various artworks around the church (Nativity set and banners.) John was a brother of the Masons at Albion #1 Saint John NB where he was a Director of Ceremonies for a number of years. In John's later years he suffered from Alzheimer's and was sorely missed by his many friends and talents lost. By John's request there will be no visiting or Funeral service. Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, (646-2424) is in charge of the arrangements. Interment will follow in Ocean View Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date. The family would appreciate donations be made to the charity of the donor's choice. www.fundyfuneralhome.com