Wayne Paul Cope, 69, passed away March 17, 2017, at his home near Oelrichs, SD.

Wayne was born December 3, 1947, at Sister's Hospital in Hot Springs, SD, to Oscar and Laura (Hussong) Cope. His early years were spent on the fledging Cope Ranch on Shirk Creek with sister, Anita and brother, Leslie. He was a life-long rancher, family man, and community good guy.

He attended first grade in a country school, then went to Oelrichs where he graduated in 1968. Following graduation, he spent the summer on a harvest crew, just one of many life experiences to bolster a future on the family ranch.
He married LouAnn McLain June 26, 1971, and they have two sons, John and James. His grands and great-grand were the light of his life. McKenzie and Zane were especially close as they lived next door. Wayne was a man of many facets.

He had a keen sense of humor, often a quick temper, loved a good joke, and spirited card game. He loved the gang in antelope camp evenings. He was caring and compassionate. He volunteered to coach the Tigers football and relished every moment. His rapport with the boys was awesome and he touched so many lives thru his actions, counsel and confidentiality. He chose to lead by "doing" over "telling" be it football or cutting a calf. A fussy baby found solace in the arms of this big bear of a man. He was instrumental in forming a roping club, belonged to the Rodeo Association, and ran the roping chute for years. He was a member of the fire department and Grazing Association. He was an avid reader, especially western history, and local lore.

He relished a challenging mind – game word puzzles and favorite pastime prairie dogging. Other than family he found great pleasure in a gentle rain, a new-born calf on its feet, Reese peanut butter cups, morning coffee with the guys, an opinionated discussion of politics, and branding season. He was often blunt and to the point, but he had a tender side. In the spring, there would be "saddle string" bouquets of sweet peas and in summer cactus blossoms for the rose bowl. Now and then a dark red rose showed up on the table. He has traveled on to greener pastures, but he leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived. See ya' down the trail.

Wayne is survived by his wife, LouAnn of Oelrichs; sons, John (Stacy) Cope of Oelrichs; James (Tina) Cope of Freemont, NE; brother, Leslie Cope of Oelrichs; sister, Anita Cope of Hot Springs; four grandchildren – Alicia (Miles) Werner, McKenzie, Zane, Lilian and one great grandchild – Tayci Kay.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2017, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery near Oelrichs.

A memorial has been established in Wayne's name to benefit Story Book Island, 1301 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, SD 57702.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.