Brian C. Cope

Brian Clifton Cope of Littleton, Colorado died on February 24, 2016 following complications after a heart attack, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 69. Brian was born on August 6, 1946 in Palo Alto, California to his parents, Oliver B. Cope and Patty O. Jones. He attended Golden High School in Golden, Colorado, where he was an athlete in football, wrestling, and track. He graduated with the Class of 1964. Brian married his high school sweetheart, Marlys Phegley, on September 2, 1967. He graduated from Colorado State University, where he was in the ROTC program, in 1969 with a degree in Health/Physical Education and a minor in Biological Science. After college, Brian entered the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, he was an Athletic Instructor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he taught twelve different sports. He was also an Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California, and at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. He left the military in 1976 with the rank of Captain to create a better life for his wife and daughters. After leaving the military, Brian and Marlys took residence in Arvada, Colorado, where they continued to raise their daughters. Brian worked for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Denver, Colorado as a Property Management Supervisor, a Program Planning Specialist, and an Engineering Planner on major government and commercial contracts. Marlys worked for her daughters' junior high school, Capital Federal Savings bank, and Lakewood Veterinary Hospital, where she still works part time. Brian retired in 2009 after 34 years at Lockheed Martin and enjoyed reading, working on his model trains, and spent countless hours on various home remodeling projects. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, his daughters, grandchildren and with his friends at their regular coffee dates. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Brian is survived by his wife, Marlys Cope; daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Tod Reams, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; twin grandchildren, Brendan and Kamryn Reams; daughter, Angela Cope, of Westminster, Colorado; sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Dennis Breeding, and their children; and two Rat Terriers, Zach and Paige. He is preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service followed by a reception will take place on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Horan and McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Brian's life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association.