John Quincy Cope

John Q. Cope, III of Gunnison passed peacefully the evening of 3/15/25 at the age of 90. His family surrounded him in love as he transitioned.

John was raised in El Cerrito, CA. where he had access to his dad’s shop and taught himself the McGuyver skills we all knew and loved. As a young boy, John built and successfully tested his own aqualung.

After high school, John attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA where he met his wife- Marilyn Matter. When John was offered a teaching position at WSC in the English department the two moved to the mountains where they raised their family and have lived ever since.

John was known as a poet. His works include The River, pieces in Geography of Hope, and hundreds of other pieces. He was rarely seen at family (or other) gathering without his manbag full of pencils, paper, and poems.

In summers when college wasn’t in session, John found work in the hay fields and later taught himself stone masonry. His masonry work can still be seen all over town.

John was preceded in death by his parents (Jake and Mary), sister (Emy Peterson), and grandson Nick Pike.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn and their daughters and their families- Ann (Connie Carlson), Mary (Woody Arnold), Amy (Rick Pike), Gail (Rich Purcell) and grandchildren Nancy Wynstra-Cope, Domenica Jubic, Mario Sciacca, Maddie Pike, and Rex Purcell. Other survivors include niece and nephews Carol, Jim, Tom, and brother-in-law Al.

Very special thanks to Mario Sciacca for taking such AMAZING care of Grandpa. Also, to Domenica La Capra, Shannon Frias, and Liz Anderson; and to GVH Hospice. Your kindness meant the world to all of us. A celebration of life will happen in July.