Barton L. Copeland

Barton L. Copeland

A Life of Dedication and Love

Barton L. Copeland passed away surrounded by his beloved family in his home on Jan. 22, 2025, in Oakland, Oregon. Bart lived la life full of faith, love for his family and dedication to his community, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Bart was born on May 15, 1934, in his grandmother's house in Oakland, Oregon, to Kenneth and Esther Copeland, who instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty and love of family. He attended school in Oakland at the Old Washington School and attended the new Oakland Hight School up on the hill. He attended Lewis & Clark College for 2 years. He also served as military police in the army and was stationed in Korea. Bart started working early in life doing yard work, working in his parent's feed store, and in the concession stands at the movie theater in Oakland. He later managed movie theaters in Sutherlin, Myrtle Creek, and Junction City. While in Junction City, he became interested in printing and began working at the Junction City Times, later moving home to work at The Sun Tribune in Sutherlin. He also owned the Oakland Printing Company where he printed books for several local authors. He then went to work for Mercy Medical Center as their Director of Printing Services for 17 years. His final career was working at Umpqua Community College for 27 years until he retired at the age of 85. While at UCC, Bart received awards for Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year for both the 2005-2006 and 2013-2014 school years. 

Bart was actively involved in his community. The history of Oakland and his family was very important to him. He was instrumental in the development of the Oakland Historic District, Oakland's Historic Commission, the Oakland Museum and the Old Town Oakland Cemetery Association. He also spear-headed the campaign to save and remodel the Old Washington School. He was honored for his years of volunteer services with the Citizen of the Year Award in 2004.

Faith played a central role in Bart's life. He attended several churches over the years - the Oakland Presbyterian Church, the Calapooia Free Methodist Church and the Oakland Church of Christ. He loved making people feel wanted and welcome at the church. This was best exemplified in his joy at being greeter and usher - always holding the door for the ladies, welcoming everyone with a smile and a hug. 

Bart was a devoted and loving family man. In September of 1965, he married the love of his life, Karen, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they raised 3 children, Andrea, Amy and Lynsey, whom he adored and supported unconditionally. Bart was also a doting grandparent to four grandsons, Jeremy, Jordan, Tanner and Hunter, and four great-grandchildren, Donovan, Margo, Daphne, and Ayla, who brough immense joy to his life. 

Bart's legacy is one of love, devotion to his family and service. His family, friends and community mourn his loss but celebrate that he is now in the presence of his heavenly Father. 

Bart's Celebration of Life will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17th, 2025, at the Oakland Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Old Town Oakland Cemetery Association or the Oakland Museum in Bart's Memory.