Thomas Cope

Tom Cope, age 73, passed away at home May 8, 2021 after an 18 month battle with leukemia.

Born February 29, 1948 in Oak Park, Illinois to Myra Norma (Lees) and Benjamin Thomas Cope Jr., Tom graduated from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and attended the University of Denver, where he received his BA (1970), JD (1974) and MA (1976). He received his PhD from the University of Chicago in 2001, and for many years was a partner at Bryan Cave LLP (formerly Holme Roberts & Owen LLP) focusing on natural resource and environmental law before he retired to travel the world. Tom also worked as chief of party for ABA-CEELI in Moldova from 2002-2003.

Like many transplants to Colorado, Tom loved the mountains and developed a passion for climbing. He climbed all 54 Fourteeners as well as numerous other peaks and high points in Colorado and across the world. Tom’s love of the outdoors informed much of his extensive service to the community. He volunteered over the years with the Colorado 14ers Initiative, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Meals on Wheels and the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation among many others. Throughout the years, Tom was always an active member of his church. He also belonged to organizations such as the Selden Society, the American Law Institute, the American Society for Legal History and the Irish Legal History Society, which all allowed him to focus on his love of history.

In March of 1970, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Ann Wattis and they recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. They had two children, Beth Whitenight and Philip Cope and two beloved grandsons, George Whitenight and Oliver Cope. Tom is also survived by his sister, Susan Cope (Jerry Poissant) and numerous nieces and nephews and godchildren and many friends across the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to one of two causes close to Tom’s heart - either The University of Chicago Library, 1100 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637 or St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, 575 Scarsdale Rd., Yonkers, NY 10707.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 17th, 2021 at 10am at Holy Transfiguration of Christ Cathedral,  349 E. 47th Ave. Denver, CO 80216. Interment on Monday, May 17th, 1pm at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80247 with reception to follow at Fairmount.

Please share memories of Thomas and condolences with his family by signing the Tribute Wall above.