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FUNERAL DETAILS
Richard M. Kopel
Richard M. Kopel, 96, of New Mexico, died on 23 September 2018. RICHARD M. KOPEL left his skis and boots behind on September 23, 2018. Infatuated by the desire to ski only in sunshine, to be on the slopes in 30 minutes and enjoy a daily variety of musical and cultural activity, Richard M. Kopel came to Santa Fe (“second best thing I ever did”) in 1974 from his birth city of Detroit. Not yet ready to retire, he passed the New Mexico State Bar and worked for the Taxation and Revenue Department in several capacities, including Chief Legal Counsel and Hearing Officer until 1986. He met his fourth wife, Karen Kelty, at the local watering hole, the old Bull Ring. After spending a year becoming friends and partners, he proposed and never left her side. They married October 1, 1988 which was “first best thing I ever did.” “Finally got it right” he would say. Richard was born August 15, 1922 and attended the University of Michigan becoming a “Big Ten Wrestling Champion” in March 1943. He was called up to active service the day after. He had enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1942 but was told to stay in college; he was discharged in February 1946 as a Sargent with an Honorable Discharge and sharp shooter in carbine, though he was sure some other person had shot into his bullseye. After graduating college in 1946, he became part owner in a coffee vending business serving over 20,000,000 cups of coffee (in one year alone) mostly to Ford Motor Company employees at 10 cents a cup. He returned to law school part-time from 1960 - 1964 becoming an attorney. Legal practice was not satisfying so he took a job serving the Legal Services of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the poverty program. Richard had many stories arising out of his work during the Detroit Riots. In Santa Fe, Richard skied every day the sun shined and raced anyone who would try. He was an expert skier who always stopped to teach someone a better method “in order to enhance their enjoyment.” He delighted in sailing with “Ski Wings” or skiing backwards while instructing. The Adaptive Ski Program gave him an opportunity during 15 years to “give back”, teaching the physically and mentally challenged until he could no longer handle the pain of snow plowing! He aggressively played tennis or ping pong and hiked the warm months proudly keeping his college weight. He skied Wolf Creek, March of this year. The Santa Fe Model Railroad Club, running trains at First National Bank at Christmastime and serving on the Board of the Lamy Museum became his hobbies. Richard was tenacious, loyal and had a strong, unwavering moral compass. Richard was predeceased by father Joseph O. Kopel, mother Gertude Kopel both of Detroit, MI., brother Howard Kopel, and his son, Jeffrey Kopel. Richard leaves behind his wife, Karen Kopel, whom he adored; beloved sister Marilyn (Kopel) Katz of Florida; son Douglas Kopel; loved and loving stepchildren, Monica (Michael) McMaster of Oregon, Chic/Charles (Jessica) Kelty of Florida, and grandchildren, Tanya Blair, Cameron and Dilyn McMaster, Amelia and Wyatt Kelty, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a wealth of friends. A memorial is planned at a later date. Perhaps when the snow flies! It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Richard M. Kopel may do so by making a contribution to: Adaptive Ski Program of Santa Fe, NMClick to Visit Charity Website |