Randall E. Copping

BARRE – Randall E. Copping, 61, of Foss Street passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, with his loving family at his bedside.

Born in Barre on October 20, 1956, he was the son of Phillip W. and Nancy (Mackie) Copping, Jr. Randy attended elementary school in East Montpelier and graduated from Spaulding High School with the class of 1975.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Motor Transport Operator and was honorably discharged as a Specialist in 1978.   He then was employed at Bellavance Trucking as a local driver. In 1980, he began his career as a Surface Plate Technician at Rock of Ages, completing 37 ½ years of employment at the time of his illness.

On August 23, 1980, Randy married Judie John at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Barre. Following their marriage, they made their home on Foss Street.

His memberships included the American Legion Post #10 and the Canadian Club of Barre.   Randy was a Barre Town and Barre City Fireman and served on the Barre City Council for eight years, some of which as Deputy Mayor of Barre. He coached BYSA softball, baseball and basketball and served on the Barre Basketball Tournament Committee.   He was a member of the Executive Board of the Barre Granite Cutter’s Association and was a negotiator for the Rock Of Ages contracts for many years.

In his spare time, Randy enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, puttering, taking care of his lawns, gardening, fantasy sports, auto racing, classic cars and collecting matchbox cars. He loved Elvis and country music, particularly Keith Whitley. He looked forward to his yearly trip to Wells Beach, ME. He was Barre’s most avid Kansas City Royals fan. Most of all, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five granddaughters.

Survivors include his wife of 37 ½ years, Judie Copping of Barre; his daughter Jennifer LaPan and her husband, Edward of West Topsham; his son Nick Copping and his wife Trisha Russell-Copping of Barre; his five granddaughters Tegan and Olivia LaPan; Delia Russell; Claire and Maggie Copping; his brother Steve Copping and his wife, Mary-Ellen of Barre; his sister Debra Kerin and her husband, Mick of Barre; his brother Rusty Copping and his fiancée Allison Rouleau of Barre; his sister-in-law Nancy Bergeron of Barre; and his brothers-in-law Bill John and his wife, Linda of O’Fallon, MO and Peter John and his wife, Kathy of Barre as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his granddogs, Teki and CoCo.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Ike and Enes John; nephews Graig John and Curt Noelk.

The service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at NOON in the Barre Lodge of Elks, Jefferson Street, Barre. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Life Cancer Treatment Center, Central Vermont Medical Center, PO Box 547, Barre, VT 05641; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; or Make-A-Wish Vermont, 431 Pine Street, Suite 214, Burlington, VT 05401.