W. R. "Bob" Copthorne

Former Fallbrook resident W. R. “Bob” Copthorne passed away in his birthplace, San Diego, Calif., on June 10, 2013. Born June 28, 1919, he was just short of his 94th birthday. Bob spent most of his youth in Canton, Ohio. During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy and became an aircraft carrier fighter pilot. After the war, his adventurous spirit led to a long sailing voyage through the Panama Canal.

For many years, Bob owned the VW dealership in New Philadelphia, Ohio and then retired to Fallbrook, Calif. where he enjoyed golfing and swimming at Rancho Monserate. He later joined two of his sisters at the Remington Club in Rancho Bernardo, Calif.

Bob was the youngest and last of six children, who all eventually returned to their childhood roots in Southern California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, and survived by daughters Lisa Broughton of Concord, Calif., Carolyn Gilliland and Kay Anderson of Canton, Ohio; several grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at Point Loma.