David Coplin

It is with profound sorrow that the family announces the passing of David R. Coplin on Saturday, April 5, 2014. David, 69, of 123 Ferguson Court, Danville, Virginia. Entered into rest at his residence after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 30th 1945, he was the son of the late Mary and Bernard Coplin. David loved life and found his greatest enjoyment in its simple pleasures. He was never happier than sitting on a quiet lake in his boat or watching his dogs play. He loved to laugh and often used humor to sooth the difficult times in life for himself and those around him. He leaves behind his wife, Laurie, of the residence and three daughters; Julie Cronin and her husband Chris of Monrovia, Maryland; Jennifer Vendemia and her husband Scott of Chapin, South Carolina; and Rommy Coplin of Danville. He also leaves two granddaughters, Melissa and Emily Cronin, his brother Robert and wife Gail of Portland, Oregon, and three special nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Timothy Brown, and a sister, Sandra Fitzgerald. He lived his early years in Michigan, Florida, New York, and Connecticut. He was employed by the IT departments of General Dynamics and GTE Sylvania before moving to Danville. He was employed by the IT department at Dan River Inc. before leaving to establish a home cleaning business. He owned and operated Merry Maids in Danville and Winston Salem for many years until his retirement in 2005 due to his illness. In 1993 he was named Virginia's Outstanding Employer of Persons with Disabilities, recognizing his efforts to employ the disabled. In both his business and personal life he quietly and gently encouraged and assisted others. David was a kind and gentle soul who found great joy in nature and animals. He was an active volunteer with several area organizations including Crisis Line, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Free Clinic. His love for animals led him to work with the Danville Area Humane Society and the Virginia German Shepard Rescue Group. He was a supporter of Service Dogs of Virginia, a provider of companion dogs to the disabled. The family wishes to acknowledge the many acts of kindness throughout the years of his illness. We want to thank the many staff members of Commonwealth Hospice whose care and guidance helped it possible for David to remain in his home surrounded by his favorite things. The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Deloris Strange whose kindness and dedication to David's care and comfort will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Service Dogs of Virginia, PO Box 408, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or the Danville Area Humane Society. Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 10th at 12 noon from Townes Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Daryl Joyce officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday April 10th from 11 to 12 at Townes Funeral Home and at other times will be at residence, 123 Ferguson Court. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory 215 West Main Street is serving the Coplin family.