Richard Alan Copeland "Captain Rick"

Richard Alan Copeland "Captain Rick", 58, of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was born August 28, 1964, in Defiance, Ohio to parents Jack Copeland and Nancy Parker DeTray.

Rick graduated from Mt. Abram High School in Salem, Maine, in 1982 and joined the US Navy that same year. He served aboard the Frigate USS John L. Hall for four years. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Rick began the lifestyle he loved so much: being on the water and seeing the world. He started as an engineer and then later, became captain, of several private motor yachts.

Rick's career took him to Jensen Beach, Florida, where he met and married his love, Deborah Ascher on October 25, 1997.

Rick spent several years as an engineer, traveling the Great Lakes and the east coast. After Rick had earned the hours needed for his captain's license, he was on to his next adventure, one that would take him all over the world as a captain.
As captain, Rick sailed the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Great Lakes. He sailed the Pacific Northwest, to Alaska, down through the Panama Canal, and beyond.

Being part of the crew on a yacht, and especially being the captain, is a career that requires knowledge, skill, and a strong commitment. Being on call 24/7 and responsible for the comfort and safety of those on board, as well as the vessel itself, is a daunting task, and one that Captain Rick took very seriously and proved himself as one of the best there was. Through long trips, rough seas, and even some terrible storms, Captain Rick always delivered the owners, crew and vessel safe and sound on every voyage.

Captain Rick's latest adventure was with HMY Yachts, bringing his considerable skill and experience to exploring the New England coastline, from Rhode Island to Maine, as well as overseeing the refurbishment of several yachts.

Captain Rick was a fixture in the boating community. He was known and loved all around the world. He was the ultimate storyteller, an ability he inherited from his father. He loved sharing his adventures with all of his family and friends.

Captain Rick was destined to be on the water and he loved what he did. He lived a very big life in his 58 years, had great adventures, great love, great friends. He loved his wife, his parents, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, his furry companion Cyrus, and his many, many friends.

Rick was one of a kind, the sort of person you only meet once in a lifetime. He touched everyone he knew. He made us smile, he made us laugh, and most of all, he showed us the adventure that the world can provide. He will be so missed.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy DeTray. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Copeland; his parents, Jack and Pam Copeland, and Tim DeTray; siblings, Cindy (John) Stever, Rob (Trice) Copeland, Randy (Sheri) Copeland, and Angela (Kevin) Kane; niece, Tori Stever; and nephews, Alex Copeland and Andy Call.

There will be a service held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the Frances Langford Dockside Pavilion (Indian Riverside Park), 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957. A celebration of Rick's life will follow until 3:30 p.m.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.