Bill and I had a great time doing "things" for our great Springbank community. He was a valuable member.

Gloria Wilkinson

We only met Bill once but it reinforced everything that we read and heard about him. We were hosting a group of students from Quebec on a French language exchange and we wanted the kids to have the ranching experience from Alberta. Bill welcomed us to his ranch by Jumping Pound and did his best explaining the ranching life in Alberta.

Little did we know then that, a few years later, we would move to Springbank as a married couple and begin our various interactions with the extended Copithorne family. Every time we hear "Copithorne" we think of that Quebec exchange trip and the contribution that Bill made to its success.

Thanks for sharing him with us all.

Herb and Helen Coburn

Peter and Terry Wallis

Our deepest condolences to the Copithorne family.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill during the time we shared together on the Board of the Calgary Airport Authority.

His advice was always delivered in a measured and thoughtful way as we grappled with the challenges of shaping the future of a young, in terms of legal tenure, Airport Authority. His advice was always listened to by his fellow Board members.

The issues discussed around the Board table most often included ongoing relationships with the communities and landowners surrounding YYC (Calgary) and YBW (Springbank). Bill was able to voice a fundamental understanding of the issues raised by the strategic goal of increasing the volume of commercial air services to and from Calgary from the perspective of our neighbours. He always expressed his advice with that twinkle in his eye that we will always remember him for.

Bill, rest in peace.

Carol and Larry Schwin, Reeds Spring, MO, USA

Uncle Bill has always been special to me. Even though we lived many miles apart..we got to see him and Aunt Harriett when they came to visit in the States and when we were on vacation and visited them at their home. He was always so gracious to us when we visited him. My heart hurts right now, upon reading his obituary, because I will miss him so much. I have asked about him, but only learned that he was in the hospital several months ago and then no more news. He was a wonderful man!

It was with great sadness to read about the passing of Bill. On behalf of my family, I want to wish Judy, your brothers and sisters and many grandkids our deepest sympathies. I met Bill when he joined the Board at the Calgary Airport Authority in 1991. I got to know Bill well over the next 26 years I worked for the Authority. I had the pleasure of talking with Bill on many occasions at YYC Board lunches, White Hat dinners and Board meetings. I will always remember Bill as a kind, down to earth and very smart man. Bill was always happy and enjoyed life and his family. Take comfort in that Bill is with his beautiful bride Harriette and your brother looking down on the family. Our deepest sympathies.

On behalf of myself and the Calgary Airport Authority we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Bill Copithorne. Bill was a well respected member of the Calgary Airport Authority Board of Directors for many years, and a prime agricultural lease holder at the Springbank Airport. Bill brought a common sense straightforward approach to business as well as his experience with governance through his time as Reeve of what was then known as the Municipal District of Rocky View No. 44. Bill had the uncanny knack for being able to ask the exact right question at the exact right time. Always a pleasure to have had the opportunity to learn a thing or two from Bill, he had a lifetime of the wisdom of his experiences to share, and I am honored to have known him. We may have lost a western Alberta heritage family icon, but he will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of his company. Happy trails Bill…

Uncle Bill was my Gramma Ada Potter's Brother-in-law. I remember them well, as I had enjoyed meals and fellowship at their home. Bill, Harriet, and Alan came to my home for an anniversary meal and kindly gifted me 6 Royal Albert coffee mugs. In my teens, Janet and I had been pen pals. I remember Uncle Bill as a kind and humble man.

Sending love and sincere sympathy to the whole family, especially to my dear cousins. May the wonderful memories you have bring you comfort. Uncle Bill's calm and vibrant voice is one I will always remember and I loved visiting at Elbow River Ranch. Kindest regards, Cathy (Potter) Gunn, Australia

We send our condolences and fond memories of all the times we spent at the Elbow Ranch with Uncle Bill and Aunt Harriette and the family. So sorry that the pandemic prevents us from all sharing some time together to celebrate his life. Bill was a genuine, warm spirited man, truly representative of all the best values of the old west and pioneer character of the Alberta foothills.

Carl and Caroline Potter

My sincere condolences to the Copithorne Family! As the project manager on the construction of Rockyview Hospital,I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bill on many occasions. I thought the world of him and truly enjoyed being around him. He told many stories of his family and especially of his dad the building of the ranch. We had the opportunity to travel together when Bill was Chairman of the Board of the Calgary District Hospital Group. Great memories. May he rest in peace. - Ron Olson

Dear Jan and family. I am so sorry for your loss.

-Maureen McLeod