David Michael Coppom, 76

David Michael Coppom was born Aug. 10, 1948, in San Mateo, Calif., to Leander Anthony Coppom and Doris Darlene (Eickemeyer) Coppom. He was the sixth and last child born to his parents, and the only son. David attended 16 years of Catholic schools: St. Charles, San Carlos; Serra High School, San Mateo; Santa Clara University, Class of 1970. 

David was hired as a patrolman by the city of Santa Clara Police Department during his senior year at Santa Clara University. He worked one year as a patrolman before entering the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in Ft. Lee, Va., and Ft. Ord, Calif. Police Officer Coppom returned to the Santa Clara PD in 1974. He was promoted to Police Sergeant in 1981, then to Police Lieutenant in 1985, and again promoted to Police Captain in 1997, in which position he served until his retirement date, Dec. 30, 2000. David moved his family to Hayden, Idaho, in 2002, a good place to be. 

David and Linda met through friends Sandy and Phil and married in 1976. A son, David Anthony, was born in 1981, and a daughter, Judi, in 1982. David loved his family deeply and provided well for them. 

David was very patriotic. He was proud of his military service and membership in Civil Air Patrol. He was a WWII buff and proud of his Uncle Johnny Coppom, who served in the 303rd Bomb Group, 360th Squadron. 

For years, David enjoyed golf with Dick Powell and Bob Potter. Most recently, he loved his time with buddies at The Bird Aviation Museum, at Coeur d’Alene Airport. David and his good friend, George Braden, spent many hours restoring military vehicles in David’s hangar, where he had his Cessna 180 and Harley. 

David is survived by his wife, Linda, and daughter Judi at home; sisters Madalene Sander of Pocatello, Idaho, Susan (Ed) Leveroni of Camas, Wash.; Charlotte Beal of Woodland, Calif., and Barbara (Jim) Brady of Modesto, Calif.; aunt Peggy Coppom, Boulder, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; most beloved son David Anthony; sister Dolores Castaldi; and brothers-in-law George Castaldi and Dick Beal, 

David has “flown west.” Fellow pilots offer a blessing for blue skies and a tailwind. Thanks be to God for His promise of the resurrection ... His ultimate victory over sin and death. We have the blessed assurance of eternal life with Him. 

The memorial service is Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene. 

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.