George Earl Copp
1919 – 2010

BRUNSWICK — George Earl Copp, 90, of Durham, left this world peacefully on Jan. 23, at Mid Coast Hospital.

He was born in Garden Plains, Alberta, Canada, April 6, 1919, to Alexander Frank and Elizabeth Ogg Copp. He was the son of hard working people. His father and grandfather were river drivers and woodsmen in Canada and in the early 1920s, they became homesteaders in Alberta. When the crops failed due to severe hail storms three years in a row, the family moved east, eventually ending up in Brunswick.

He attended schools there and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1937 with honors. His strong work ethic was developed through years of working side by side with his father and grandfather, always focusing on whatever jobs needed to be done to support the family.

On April 30, 1941, he married Shirlie Curtis of Freeport, his lifelong love. During World War II, he was inducted into the Army and served in the military police at several locations out west. After the war, he and Shirlie bought a farm in Durham, where they continued to raise farm animals and plant gardens. He loved taking care of his land and being active outside. He continued to split wood for home use and sale to others well into the 80s. People regarded him as a good neighbor, honest businessman and an entertaining storyteller.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirlie of Durham; his son, Frank and partner, Christie Taylor, also of Durham; his daughter, Peggy Brick and her husband, Ralph, of Durham; his son, Robert and his wife, Griselda, of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico; he leaves behind seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Margaret Austin of Durham and Josephine Bell of Chelsea.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert; and sisters, Mabel Williams and Caroline Osmond.

He loved the company of his family, grandchildren and many good friends.