Obituary of Donald Ray Cope

Don was born in Hominy, Oklahoma to Bertha & Guy Sr. The family made numerous moves from California to Washington but finally settling in San Diego, California in 1952. In 1956, Don met Dolores Azevedo, they were married and resided in San Diego. A year later Don and brothers, Guy and Jerry opened up Cope Brothers Machine Shop and the racing fever began. Don began his racing career drag racing motorcycles, which then lead to racing dragsters. In 1964, the brothers decided that they needed to move the race shop to the Pacific N.W. So Don moved his family of five along with his two brothers and their families, choosing to settle in the Parkland area where they opened Cope Brothers Machine Shop. Don & Jerry ran the race shop while Don continued racing dragsters. The highlight of Don’s racing career was in 1971, when he clenched the Top-Gas Division Six Championship. In 1978, Don’s son Darren, decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps, and learned the family business. They continued to work side by side until his retirement. In November 2008, Don along with his son Derrike, were inducted into the North West Motor Sports Hall of Fame where he was recognized for his knowledge and talent. Through his love of the racing sport and his generosity, Don helped and encouraged many racers with their pursuit in auto racing. Don has become an icon in the Pacific Northwest racing world. Don is survived by his sons Derrike and Darren, daughter Tamara and (Dave) Lastoka, daughter in law Mary, granddaughters Amber, Angela, Ashley, and Taylor, Brother Jerry and (Chris), numerous nieces and nephews and by fans of auto racing throughout the Pacific Northwest. A memorial/open house in Don’s memory will be held at the family home at in Spanaway on July 1st at 1pm until… In memory of Donald Cope, please make donations to “The Petfinder Foundation” for Don’s love of animals.