Copeland, Gary Lee

Springhill, NS

August 03, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary Lee Copeland, 81 years, of Springhill, on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, in High Crest Nursing Home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Springhill, he was a son of the late Ernest and Rose (MacLeod) Copeland.

Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and active member of his community. A man of unwavering integrity and strength, Gary had a profound impact on the lives of all who knew him. Gary's dedication to service was illustrated by his remarkable career as a Springhill Police Officer, which spanned over 50 years. For 15 of those years, he proudly held the title of Chief of Police. His distinguished career, which concluded with his retirement in 2015, was marked by many accomplishments, including serving as president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association and being recognized as the longest-serving active Police Officer in Nova Scotia. While he held numerous accomplishments, the honor he cherished most was the award he received for saving children from a burning building, a true testament to his courage and character.

Of all the titles he held, his most cherished were husband, father, and grandfather, or "Puckie" as all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren affectionately called him. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Copeland, with whom he would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this month. His family was his greatest pride. He spent countless weekends driving his grandsons to hockey, teaching them invaluable life lessons along the way. He found great joy and peace at his cottage and looked forward to hunting season at the camp with family and friends.

Known as the man who could fix anything, Gary was kind, considerate, and did everything he could for those he loved. He took great pride in passing his skills and knowledge along to his grandsons and great-grandsons, and he was happiest when surrounded by his family. His quiet strength, his reassuring guidance, and his unconditional support will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will continue to build upon the lessons and skills he so patiently taught them.

Gary will be sadly missed by his wife, the former Dorothy Fisher, Springhill; son in law Todd MacPhee (Theresa), grandsons, Justus (Sarah), Jerico, and Jaeden; great-grandsons, Asher and Atlas, and his brother Norman.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Paula MacPhee and brother James.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). A funeral service to celebrate Gary's life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2 pm. All are invited to attend.

Gary's family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of High Crest Nursing home who were involved in Gary's care in the final months of his life. The patience and kindness Gary received from those caregivers will never be forgotten, thank you.

Donations in Gary's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.