Kent A. Copeland

Kent Copeland, 79 lived his life his way and on his own terms. On September 29, 2020, he died of age-related causes as a 37 year HIV survivor.

He was born in Oakland Oregon on June 2, 1941 to Kenneth S. and Esther F. Copeland.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, brother K. Ronald Copeland and sister Carole A. Fenton.

Kent is survived by brother, Barton L. Copeland, sister Faye J. McCain and his nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by a number of close friends that he referred to as his “adopted-inherited family” too many to name. A heart-felt thanks to Dr. Melissa Murphy, Dr. Susan Grauer and many Portland VA Hospital and Clinics employees who provided innovative and quality health care to Kent for the many years he lived with HIV. A sincere thanks to his caregivers, Nathan and J.R. for caring for Kent after he made a bold move from an independent living facility!

Kent graduated Oakland High School in 1959 and in 1965  from Southern Oregon College with a degree in Business Administration.  He served our country in Vietnam.  He retired at age 58 after an accomplished and dedicated career with the State of Oregon Health Division as the Oregon Public Health Budget Officer.   After retirement, Kent traveled frequently.  He especially loved Italy and Spain.  Kent enjoyed annual season performances of the Broadway in Portland Series and the Oregon Ballet for many years.  He loved his SW Portland home and the lushness of its surroundings.  From his chair he viewed his “Buddha tree” and the beautiful landscape that Charley, his beloved standard poodle enjoys.

Kent is interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Oregon.

Due to the current situation and concern for the health of everyone, a celebration of life is planned for Tuesday, June 2, 2021, which would have been Kent’s 80th birthday!

Please email Kent’s long-time friend, Craig Kolins  ckolins@comcast.net to receive details about Kent’s celebration of life.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of and to honor Kent Copeland to the Oregon Humane Society in Portland https://oregonhumane.tfaforms.net/33 and the Cascade AIDS Project https://www.capnw.org/donate

To sign the on-line guest book, please visit: https://www.holmansfuneralservice.com/obituary/kent-a-copeland/