DENNIS RAY COPAS
October 13, 1946 – October 4, 2024
DENNIS RAY COPAS of Ojai, CA passed away on October 4, 2024 in Ojai, CA, just 9 days shy of his 78th birthday after losing his four-year battle with dementia. God took one of the good ones. Dennis was born in Torrance, CA to June Elizabeth Ferguson and Teelie Ray Copas on October 13, 1946.
With his mother’s permission, Dennis entered the Air Force under age and completed high school while serving in Bitburg, Germany. He loved his country and was proud of his 29-year career in the Air Force where he was a fire fighter and a Load Master and achieved the level of Technical Sergeant.
Dennis is survived by his significant other and best friend, Jude Dumas, of Ojai, CA, in addition to his daughters Michele Kinney (Russell) of Bishop, CA and Tamara Leroux (BR) of Idaho; his nephew Clint Copas (Eydie) of Corona, CA; granddaughters Melissa Popnoe and T’Ellyn Jones (Joel Duganne); his grandsons Dustin Leroux (Rae), Cade Pascale and Zachary Conte; his niece Kadin Godwin (Ben); his great grandsons Jedikai Jones Duganne and Jaxon Jones Duganne, his great nephews Lennon Copas, Cruz Copas, and Jovi Godwin; and his great nieces Brody Jean Copas and Alana Godwin.
Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, June Gray, and his brother, Clifford Copas. Dennis was giving of himself, offering help to anyone in need. He took care of his arthritis-stricken mother until her passing, a testament to his sensitivity and compassion and love.
Our gentleman cowboy succeeded in life by making the best of what he had. “A jack of all trades/master of none” is how he described himself. He liked to sing and dance, and could this cowboy dance! All the girls at the BanDar wanted to dance with Dennis. Then, one night, he asked Jude to dance, and they’ve been sweethearts ever since. Jude introduced him to drag racing and he became her pit crew at L.A. County Raceway. Since he was always seen with a camera in hand, he became the official photographer of Pontiac Drag Days, producing a spectacular and treasured Final Raceday photo of all Pontiac racers.
Dennis was truly dogs’ best friend. He had dogs that thrived on his love and friendship – Buster, Keaton, Lewis, Bella and Gigi to name a few. Lucky dogs they were.
Cowboy Copas, as he liked to be called, was a man lucky enough to have had two horses (at different times) – Pilot and Fandango. He rode Pilot in the parade preceding the Ventura County Fair in 1997. He enjoyed his weekly get-togethers with his Old Men’s Club at the Equestrian Center in Filmore where they boarded horses, yacked, and cooked hotdogs over an open fire. Before that was the Two Fingers Ranch in Santa Paula, Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport, the fishing pole dance, the cowboys, and “Puff, The Magic Dragon.”
Dennis loved going to cowboy festivals, the annual Lone Pine Film Festival, movie nights at McCrea Ranch in Moorpark, and shenanigans at Dodger Stadium. He enjoyed adventure and the outdoors. He looked forward to camping and hiking at Rock Creek, Yosemite, the Ancient Bristlecone Pines, etc. with family and friends. He made his own happy hours in the Alabama Hills of Lone Pine where Gunga Din’s Temple of Gold was filmed while watching the little birds give way to little bats at a most colorful sunset. He enjoyed campfires, full moons, sunsets, shooting stars, rain, snow and sunny days filled with love and friendship. He liked to shop, whether for groceries, clothes, gifts or souvenirs, but especially for antiques.
Dennis loved being in the limelight like when he attended Fess Parker’s Memorial in Santa Barbara dressed in his cowboy best and was interviewed by the local radio station because he looked like somebody. And, he was there when they tore down the BanDar in Ventura. The local newspaper interviewed him saying he looked like the Marlboro Man. He loved being mistaken for a celebrity. Blame those gorgeous baby blue eyes.
He enjoyed a good laugh or joke. The “Stampeder” joke was only to be outdone by “How Nice!” Both were guaranteed to make him laugh.
When he finally acknowledged his diagnosis of dementia in 2020, he was concerned about getting lost within himself. And so it came to be. Hard for him to communicate, but his love always came through. For that, we are most grateful.
Dennis resided at Mountain Vista of Ojai for almost four years and grew to love the staff and vice versa. His family thanks them for taking such good care of our gift from God, and for recommending Vitas Healthcare Hospice who directed a safe and comfortable end of his earthly journey.
He loved his country, his family, and his friends. The world needs more folks like Dennis.
“Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say
This is where the Cowboy Rides Away.”
George Strait
Happy trails, Dennis, till we meet again.
Memorial donations may be made to either the Humane Society of Ventura County located at 402 Bryant Street, Ojai, CA 93023, or The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation, P. O. Box 548, Moorpark, CA 93020.
There will be no funeral but final arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA.