Robert Edge Cope

Robert Edge Cope, 87, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born in suburban Detroit, Michigan, Bob was an Eagle Scout and loved camping, hiking, and sailing throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1942 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, and served in the US Army 1945-46. Career was very important to Bob and spanned both management positions and co-ownership of several companies in Michigan, including Dilesco Corporation which he co-founded and from which he retired in 1990. During the early 1980s and inspired by a trip to Japan, he also developed participative management practices as a consultant and speaker for the American Management Association. Bob served as an Elder in Presbyterian Churches in Muskegon MI and in Mesa AZ and served as a member of the Western Michigan University Foundry Advisory Board. He more recently served on the Executive Council of the Grayhawk Classic Residence. As an adult and during retirement, Bob enjoyed swimming and golfing, and was a member of the Muskegon Country Club. He and his wife Betty traveled frequently throughout the US in their motorhome, and abroad. An avid videographer and photographer, he leaves behind a treasure of images from a life well-lived with friends and family. He will be remembered as a strong, dignified, and kind man, with a witty and understated sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty N. Cope, of Scottsdale AZ and previously of Muskegon, MI. Bob will be sadly missed by his eight children, David Cope (Suzanne), Susan Back (Harold), Laurie Grand (Mark), Dale Schuur (Christine), Charlie Cope (Chris), Mary Brennan, Holly Jacoby (Bill), and Heidi Roy (Phil), as well as 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A private service was held for interment in the memorial garden of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon, MI this summer. Memorials may be sent to the Robert and Betty Cope Fund of the Muskegon Community Foundation (http://www.cffmc.org) or to the Classic Residents' Foundation Scholarship Fund. (http://www.hyattclassic.com/ go/scottsdale-grayhawk-classic-residents-foundation.html).