DAVID RAY COPE

David Ray Cope, 53, died at his home in Wasilla on Dec. 9, 2001. Services will be at the Wood Funeral Home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.

Mr. Cope was born Dec. 24, 1947, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in the Upper Snake River Valley of southeastern Idaho where his family drilled water wells for many years. Because of the location of the many drill sites, he was afforded an opportunity to hunt for Indian artifacts and enjoy the outdoors. Dave loved to hunt pheasants, deer and elk and was an expert marksman.

Spending a great deal of his life working with the handicapped, he had a natural talent for helping those who were less fortunate.

Dave lived to ride his motorcycles. He had both moto-cross and the big cruisers. He toured the countryside frequently and extensively.

In 1991 Dave moved to Alaska to experience the land his dad had told him about. His dad worked in Alaska from 1933 to 1940. This was always Dave's dream. Those who knew him said Dave loved the beautiful scenery of Alaska and painted many pictures of the places he had been and seen. Dave won many ribbons at the Alaska State Fair for his charcoal and oil paintings. He traveled throughout Alaska working as an X-ray technician and inspector and experienced many different cultures in Alaska.

His family said, "Dave was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared his testimony with others and was very active in genealogy and helping others find their family roots. Delivering food to the less fortunate was also a routine task for him. Dave had a great personality with energy, enthusiasm and was a friend to so many. He will be dearly missed."

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gene and LaDonna Cope of Burley, Idaho; two grandchildren, Christa and Raymond ; mother, Beth Cope of Moscow, Idaho; brother, John Cope of Palmer; sister and her husband, Elaine and Paul Miles of Moscow, Idaho; sister, Lois Zweifel of Bozeman, Mont.; 14 nieces and nephews; and 27 grand-nieces and nephews.