Brian D. Copple

Brian Don Copple August 16, 1955 – April 14, 2026

Just shy of his 71st birthday, Brian Don Copple passed away suddenly on April 14, 2026, from an undiagnosed non-inflammatory blood clot that traveled to his lungs. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Brian was one of the most giving—and wonderfully quirky—friends anyone could ever hope to have. He was the kind of man who showed up, helped without hesitation, and somehow made even ordinary moments memorable. He cared deeply, laughed easily, and lived life on his own terms.

Born and raised in Illinois, Brian was a proud graduate of Southern Illinois University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and later his Master’s degree in Business. After spending several years in the business world, Brian did what only Brian would do—he walked away from the corporate path, traveled through Europe, and returned to Chicago with stories, perspective, and the same restless spirit that would define his life.

Back home, he drove a taxi cab for years, collecting stories and friendships along the way, before later building a successful business painting the interiors of homes. He was never afraid of hard work, but he valued freedom, friendship, and loyalty far more than titles or status.

Brian loved tennis, swimming, motorcycles, music, and animals—especially his beloved dog, Dora. He was happiest on a tennis court, in a swimming pool, behind a drum set, or riding one of his three motorcycles across the country with his dear friends Richard and Wally. He was a co-founder and drummer of the band Fifty-Fifty, and music remained one of the great constants of his life.

Following the death of his father, Donald Copple, in 2006, Brian returned to his childhood home to care for and live with his mother, Wanda Copple, until her passing in 2012. Family mattered to Brian, not just by blood, but by the bonds he chose and nurtured.

He is reunited in rest with his father, Donald Copple, his mother, Wanda Copple, and his older stepbrother, Robert “Bobby” Cerny, who all preceded him in death. Brian’s memory lives on through a large extended family rooted deeply in both Southern Illinois, Chicagoland and across America. This includes his beloved Aunt Ann, along with dozens of cousins from both his mother’s and father’s sides. He is also survived by a devoted circle of lifelong friends who were, in every true sense, his chosen family.

There were also a few people who held especially sacred places in Brian’s heart. Marge, whom he lovingly called his “soul mate,” was one of them. After Marge’s passing, that torch of trust and friendship was carried forward by Gloria who remained one of Brian’s closest and most loyal friends.

The night before Brian passed, he spent the evening doing what he loved most—sharing dinner, a few beers, and laughter with his dear high school and college friends Wally, Al, Robbin, John, Larry and Joe. The next day, he was with his roommate Keith on a job site, talking with a neighbor about music and drumming. It was, in many ways, a perfectly Brian kind of day—simple, real, and surrounded by people who mattered.

Brian’s final months were filled with both challenges and rewards, but he faced them with the same stubborn strength, humor, and heart that defined his life. Supported by friends like Wally, Keith, Gloria, and others, Brian reminded all of us that friendship is not measured by convenience, but by showing up.

And Brian always showed up.

Brian wasn't perfect, and thank God for that—perfection is boring. Instead, he was the gold standard of loyalty, the definition of kindness, fiercely independent, and absolutely unforgettable. He didn't just show us what friendship looked like; he wrote the book on it. Period.

Brian will be missed beyond words, remembered beyond time, and loved beyond goodbye. And if there’s one thing his friends will hear forever in the back of their minds, it will be Brian’s familiar voice asking, with that half-smile and perfect timing, “What’s new in the zoo?”

Now, somehow, the zoo feels a whole lot quieter without him.

Celebration of Life events:

Saturday, June 20, 2026. 3am – 5pm at Waterfront Café, 6219 North Sheridan Road - Chicago, IL 60660. (Dog friendly).

Donations

Brian’s three dogs will be separated.

Wright-Way Rescue North Shore Humane Center is located at 5915 Lincoln Avenue, Morton Grove, IL (Please donate in Brian’s name.)

The National Blood Clot Alliance (Stop The Clot) is located at PO Box 825687, Philadelphia, PA 19182-5687. (Please donate in Brian’s name.)

Arrangements by Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services 847-302-7176