David Howell Cope
A Celebration of Life

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Send any additional pictures or messages to: DavidCope@bristle.com


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R.I.P. David Cope (May 17, 1941- May 4, 2025): Composer, inventor, author, novelist, memoirist, visual & conceptual artist, software engineer, professor, provost, cellist, conductor, polymath, edible mushroom enthusiast, .... and, of course, father.

Too much to say and too soon to say it, or to find a way to say it... beyond noting that he went peacefully -- albeit as suddenly as is possible after a long illness -- doing so at home, his wife's (my mother's) hand in one of his hands, mine in the other.

Stephen Cope

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We are deeply saddened by the news of David's passing. Our thoughts are with the Cope family during this time. It has been a great privilege and joy to embark on this journey together. Thank you, David.

Opus Cope: An Algorithmic Opera

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David left this life at 5:35 p.m. today. I'm heartbroken, grieving, but relieved that he is free of the demons torturing him! sympathy. ❤️❤️😔

Mary Jane Cope

Thank you, David, for the music, the laughter, the discussions, all those games, friendship, wind chimes, and your gentle nature and just general craziness over all the years. You have truly changed this planet. Thank you and we love you. Blessings and hugs to Mary Jane. 

Veronica Elsea
I am so sorry Mary Jane, I will keep you in my prayers 🙏

June Gilsenan-Ely
My heart felt condolences and prayers go out to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. ❤️❤️

Carol Thompkins Hardison
So sorry Mary Jane, thinking of you 🙏💔

Marc Steiner
So sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences.

William Winant
I am so sorry. I know that your heart is broken. My prayers for you, and may he rest in peace.

Joseph Matthews
Oh, Dear Mary Jane, I am so sorry for the pain and heartbreak you are experiencing now. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that your love and care for him eased his journey, that he is now free, and that the part of him that can be with you with always be with you. My heart aches for you and my prayers for peace and sustenance continue. . . ❤️

Victoria Neve
Great picture! Exemplary human being

Phil Collins
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences during this difficult time

Nancy Woo
Sending sincere condolences 🌹🙏

Gail Lew
I am so sorry Mary Jane. It's been rough. But the life y'all have lived together all these years (from my outsider's perspective at least) -- it's so beautiful with the family, music, and so many adventures shared. Sending love to you & your family in this time.

Ashley Tran
Peace and love hold hands with your grief.

Kit C. Birskovich
Oh Mary Jane, I am so so sorry 😞 He truly was one of a kind. Sending much love to you she your family. 🕯

Camille Hatton
☮️💐

Ondine Young
I’m so sorry Mary Jane. What a brilliant and kind person he was. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Tanya Merchant
I am so sorry for your loss.

Steve Rubin
I’m so sorry. May his memory be a blessing, and may you find strength for the difficult days ahead.

Suzanne Goldlust
My deepest sympathies Mary Jane. My heart goes out to you. Rosalie told me it was 58 years (if I remember correctly). I hope and pray that your wonderful memory's comfort you at this time. May he rest in peace. Hugs, blessings, prayers your way.

Jill Schamp
Dear Mary Jane , oh so sad and so sorry. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We will keep David in our heart for ever. Hugs and loving thoughts ❤️❤️

Nicole Chanson
So sorry… sending love.

Sonya Szabo-Reynolds
Oh Mary Jane, I am so sorry. I am sending peace and love to both of you. ❤️

Lembit Beecher
Deepest condolences to you Mary Jane and your family. Prayers of comfort for you.❤️🙏

Cinda Thomas
My heart is with you Mary Jane.

Bobbie Rastall
Sending you peace and love. May his memory be a blessing to you and all who knew him.

Laura Poremba Bergsman
I’m so sorry, Aunt Mary Jane. May Uncle David rest in peace. We are thinking of you and hope you can find comfort in a life well lived.

Derrick Drewry
So sorry for your loss and all the difficulties you have had to bear. Sending a big hug. ❤️
It’s good his suffering has ended at last.
Kathleen Kasdorf
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Jane. I know you had a beautiful life together ❤️. Blessings and peace to you and your family💐

Jean Morrow Hoffman
So sorry. May he rest in peace

Joe Gunn
I love this photo of David! What a brilliant man. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Celeste Guerrero
I’m so sorry for your loss Mary Jane. He was blessed to have you to love and care for him.

Cecilia Parkinson
0hhhh, how sad after so many years together. I know you loved him so much and I'm quite sure he loved you too. I never met David but the way you spoke of him just told volumes about your commitment together. Take care Mary Jane.

Betsy Stocksdale
Sending heartfelt caring thoughts your way, Mary Jane. ❤️

William Westney
I am so sorry to hear this news Mary Jane. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing someone so dear, but I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories you hold close to your heart. May you find strength in each day and peace in the quiet moments.

Gina Stluka McEwen
So sorry for your loss, Mary Jane 😢 💔Hugs!

Doris Tonneson
I’m so sorry Aunt Mary Jane. There are no words that can ease the pain but hope you will find comfort in your love and memories with Uncle David. Sending heartfelt thoughts during this difficult time.

Brett Drewry
I’m very sorry, Mary Jane.

Steed Cowart
Please know of my love and prayers for all.

Noella McLeod
My deepest condolences to you, Mary Jane ❤️❤️

Lucia DG
Praying for comfort for you.

Teri Watson
Not unexpected but I am so sorry to hear this, Mary Jane. I am thinking of you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Liz Cunningham-Herman
Sending my deepest sympathy. It's a difficult time. May you stay strong with the help of friends and family. And cherish the memories.

Mary Lou Iverson
My deepest sympathies. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace.

Kelly Stluka
My sincere condolences, Mary Jane, to you and all of your family--so sorry to hear of this. May you keep the good memories close.

Kathryn Welter
Oh Mary Jane, Thank you for being able to post about David so that all your many friends can help you through this. You have been so much help and support for him forever! I am so sorry.

Christine Bakalis
I have been thinking of him constantly for the last week ... What a wonderful mentor and friend. Thanks for letting us far flung collaborators and admirers know and God Bless you and your family. ❤️

Scot Gresham-Lancaster
David is with you now in a way he could never manage before....free to love you and your boys with nothing in the way. Thank you, Mary Jane, for the witness you gave us in making David's way to God a testament to the love you shared. ❤️

Sylvia Deck
I'm so deeply sorry, Mary Jane. Sending you love and comfort. He was an extraordinary person and will be so missed.

Kristin Garbeff
I am so sorry, Mary Jane. I will always remember playing in the UCSC orchestra the quarter he filled in as conductor. We played Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, and he was conducting from his own personal score. He was so full of joy conducting that piece. It was a wonderful experience. Sending you light and love.

Laura McShane
He was a very special guy! So sorry to lose him. My heart goes out to you.

Kathryn Gresham-Lancaster
Sending you so much love Mary Jane Cope….

Michelle Witt
I’m sorry for your loss. It is comforting that he is no longer suffering. He will be missed and remembered. I hope you and your family are doing ok during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers.

Sabrina Chen
Dear Mary Jane, I am sending love to you and your family as you grieve. ❤️

Jennifer Wilsey
My deepest condolences 💐, Mary Jane.

Pno Ens
Dear Mary Jane! I am so sorry. Hearing this news caused me surprising personal grief, remembering the sense of relief along with loss. Be assured of my prayers and any help I can offer.

Rosemary Rapp Sarka
My sincere condolences, Mary Jane...May God bless David's soul, and give you and family much needed comfort and peace! 💕🌿🕊

Vlada Moran
So sorry for your loss, Mary Jane. David was a truly kind and inspiring person. His impact will not be forgotten. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. 💕

Ben Dorfan
Stephanie and I are so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our prayers are with you.

William Settle
Dear Mary Jane, Sincere condolences on this horrific loss. I hope that your memories from over many years will help to heal a broken heart. Be good to yourself—-it takes lots of time to recover, but good friends and beautiful music helps so much. ❤️

Dennis Alexander
Mary Jane. After meeting David during Jenna's piano lessons he seemed such a curious and intelligent human being. So sorry for your loss MJ. We'll visit when you're ready 💕

Linda Goldwyer
I’m so sorry for your and the family’s loss. Uncle David brought so much energy, passion and curiosity into the room. Prayers and hugs!

Dawn Drewry
I am so sorry for your heart breaking loss. May dave rest in peace now without any suffering. i hope many years of memories bring you some comfort. wishing you strength for the days and weeks ahead.

Mary Lou Stluka Brophy
So sorry Mary Jane. My condolences to you and your family .

Sam Allott
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and comfort to you.

Jean Lafferty
Dear Mary Jane, please accept my deepest condolences to you and families. The great composer, David Cope has left us, but his music with his soul will be staying with all of us.

Frank Yang
Dear Mary Jane, You and our community have lost a great artist and a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you.

John George Orlando
♥️

Susan Gautieri
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Jane. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort. ❤️

Mariann Goodnight Eichhorn
So very sad for your family’s loss.

Kathleen Kasdorf