Copeland Oswald Wedderburn
elevated BSesg 5 July 1934 – 7 December 2025
elevated BSesg Funeral Mass
elevated BSesg A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Marguerite D’Youville Catholic Church, Brampton Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1:30pm. The funeral will be Live streamed at St. Marguerite d’Youville Brampton – YouTube
elevated BSesg After the service, a repast will be served at the church. The body will be cremated. The urn will be buried beside Crecent and Karl at a date to be finalized.
elevated BSesg Copeland Oswald Wedderburn died on 7 December, 2025, in Mississauga, Canada.
elevated BSesg He was predeceased by wife Crecent, children, Shirley, Karl, brothers, Norman, Elleston, Calvin, Josclyn and Aldred.
elevated BSesg Copeland affectionately called ‘Mac’, the fifth child of Leopole and Miranda Wedderburn was born on July 5, 1934 at Georges Plain, Westmoreland, Jamaica.
elevated BSesg He attended Georges Plain Elementary School and later Townhead Elementary School when the family relocated to the district of Townhead.
Copeland was active growing up. He participated in activities such as track and field and cricket. He was a good cricket all-rounder and played for both his school and a local team.
elevated BSesg Kids used to come from nearby houses to play cricket in the large space in front of his house.
Copeland exhibited great skill as a child. It was this ability that his father recognized and sent him for technical training at the Frome Sugar Estate. He learnt quickly and became very adept at welding and machinery. In fact, what should have been a year and a half apprenticeship was completed in a year. He worked for a couple of years at the Frome Sugar Estate. While working there, he was sent on a specialized course in skills training and supervisory management which further honed his skills.
elevated BSesg He then moved on to Appleton Sugar Estate as a welder. There he excelled and was quickly promoted to Welding Supervisor and subsequently Workshop Manager. He later went to work in the bauxite industry and was fortunate to be given a contract by Appleton Sugar Estate to undertake all their welding activities.
elevated BSesg During that period, he met and married Crecent Gordon and subsequently migrated to Canada in 1965.
elevated BSesg After arriving in Canada, Copeland found employment at Essroc (now Heidelberg Materials, Cement) in Picton, Ontario as a skilled tradesman, rising to supervisor. There, Copeland remained employed until his retirement, He was so well regarded by his company that even after he retired, he was asked to oversee kiln turnarounds and upgrades across North America.
elevated BSesg Copeland and Crecent, together with their son Karl settled in Kingston, Ontario. He was liked by his neighbors and kept a manicured lawn and a flourishing vegetable garden. He was respected and active in the community including the Kingston Cricket Club, in Jamaican and Caribbean circles and the Knights of Columbus. He was serious at work but still had time to hold parties in his basement.
elevated BSesg After his retirement, Copeland was hospitalized and remained in a coma for over ten months. Crecent was by his bedside throughout, and through their collective will, he awoke and he recovered.
elevated BSesg The family later moved to Brampton, and then to Mississauga.
Copeland continued to show his strength through several health scares, taking care of Crecent until her passing as well as the passing of Karl. He was an
ardent Roman Catholic and grew closer to the Lord. He showed himself selfless, assisting family members and friends in need.
Copeland leaves behind his brother Foskin, and sister Delta, step-son Gary Gordon, grand-daughters
Alexandrea Wedderburn and Maxine James, nieces, nephews and cousins.
elevated BSesg Funeral Mass
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
St. Marguerite D’Youville Catholic Church
2490 Sandalwood Pkwy E, Brampton, ON L6R 3A4
Cremation
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Rd, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
The Knights of Council 9235 and the Sir Knights of Assembly 3433 honor Brother Copeland who had given a significant contribution to the Knights of Columbus during his many years by his service to others and by his prayer life.
Brother Copeland was proud to be a Knight of Columbus!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May Brother Copeland rests in the Peace of Christ. Thanks be to God
Brother Anthony Scanga, Past Grand Knight, Council 9235
Thanks for your tribute to my Uncle Copeland. I know he was very proud to be part of the Knights of Columbus. How would family and friends interested in making a donation to the Knights of Columbus, a cause my uncle was so passionate about, make a donation in his name? Can it be to a local chapter? Is it possible to send a link and information about how donations are used. I know some family and friends have expressed interest in giving in my uncle’s name as he gave to others. Thanks very much!!!
Tribute to my Dearest Brother Copeland.
I remember the days we used to play in the big yard as children. The house was some way in from the street, so we used to race each other to the front gate. We shared such fun times together. As children, we got up to much mischief. Like stealing the food that Mom had put aside and cooking it. We would call it ‘Dirty Pot”. Or playing at night time in the moonlight with the neighbours children. Also, being the only girl among brothers. I learned to play Cricket with you.
As adults, I remember when you went away to work, you would send me money. You were so generous, as you were with other members of the family and close friends.
You also took time to talk with me, which I enjoyed so much. Especially when telling me about the people you met and the places you visited.
When you moved to Canada, you invited me to visit. I remember you and Crescent taking me to see your nextdoor neighbours and then taking me out to see the wonderful sites in Canada, like Niagara Falls. What wonderful times.
I will miss you so much, and cherish all the wonderful memories we created.
May God’s Blessings go with you and his Grace shine upon you. Rest in peace my Dear Brother.
Your ever loving Sister Delta.
Today we remember my Uncle Copeland — my dad did not call him Mac — a man of God whose life was shaped by curiosity, kindness, and a genuine love for the world around him. His faith was not something he spoke about loudly, but something he lived every day through service, humility, and care for others. As a distinguished member of the Knights of Columbus, he embodied their principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, giving of himself freely in service to both Church and community.
He was also a man of remarkable resilience. During more than six months in the hospital, including time spent in a coma, and while bravely battling repeated bouts of pneumonia and COVID, he endured with quiet strength and dignity. Through it all, his faith remained steadfast, and his courage was an inspiration to those who prayed for him, cared for him, and loved him. Even in suffering, he bore witness to perseverance and trust in God’s will.
He found joy in many things: the rhythm and tradition of cricket, the freedom and calm of sailing, and thoughtful conversations about politics and the direction of our society. These interests were never just hobbies; they were ways he connected with people, sparked meaningful discussion, and shared moments that truly mattered.
Above all, he was caring and giving. Copeland showed up for others quietly and consistently, offering his time, his wisdom, and his steady presence without ever seeking recognition. As an uncle, he was someone you could talk to easily — someone who truly listened. I loved talking with him, whether about big ideas or the simple moments of everyday life, because those conversations always left me feeling understood, encouraged, and valued.
He was a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather, a loving brother, and a loyal friend. His kindness lives on in the many lives he touched, and in the memories we carry with us — memories of laughter shared, wisdom offered, faith lived, and compassion freely given.
Uncle Copeland was deeply proud of his Jamaican heritage — proud of its rich culture, strong traditions, and the warmth of its people. He carried that pride with grace, sharing stories, wisdom, and especially the joy of Jamaican food, which for him was an expression of love, family, and home. Through his heritage, he taught us the importance of remembering where we come from, honoring our roots, and celebrating the gifts of culture that shape who we are.
While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his life was rooted in faith and love. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. His legacy is not only in what he loved, but in how he loved — generously, thoughtfully, and wholeheartedly. May he now rest in God’s eternal peace, rewarded for a life well lived for more than 90 years and faithfully given. Your loving niece
I met Mr. Copeland, as I called him, in the summer of 1993. He and his wife welcomed my family to a new and very different environment, thereby making the adjustment that much easier.
Our friendship continued when they moved to Brampton to be closer to their son, Karl.
In his last years as he dealt with health challenges, I would accompany him from time to time to his medical appointments.
During these trips, he reminisced on his achievements, his ups and downs and, of course, his family.
We will miss you Mr. Copeland and may you rest in peace as you join your wife and son.
A personal tribute to my Uncle:
Even as an adult with a family of my own my Uncle never stopped looking out for me.
To him I was still “one of the young ones” someone he felt responsible for and someone he wanted to protect. And honestly I cherished that. It was his way of showing love – not through big speeches, but through small,thoughtful gestures that said more than words ever could.
Whenever we went out while visiting him he always checked in on us to make sure that we were safe.
No matter how old I got he always slipped me pocket money for outings as if I was a teenager heading into town. We would always laugh about it.
That was who he was – a man who cared deeply and expressed it in the most genuine ways.
Some of my fondest memories were the summers we spent with him and Aunt Crescent.
Their home was a place where I felt completely at ease, welcomed without question, and loved without condition. They looked after us with the kind of warmth that stays with you for life.
Whether it was a meal, a conversation, or simply being in there presence, they made you feel valued.
My Uncle worked hard,expected the same from others ,and believed in living with purpose.
But beneath that strength was a softness- a loyalty to family, a desire to keep us close, and a habit of checking in no matter what was happening in his life. He embraced technology just so he could stay connected, making sure that distance didn’t mean disconnection.
He cared for us in ways, big and small, and those moments- the pocket money, the check- ins, the open door- are the memories I hold closest.
They remind me of a man who loved fiercely, who gave freely, and who never stopped being an anchor for his family.
His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his love remains – in our stories, in our laughter, and in the lessons he quietly taught us.
I will remember him with gratitude, affection, and a deep sense of honour for having been loved by him.
Uncle may you rest in eternal peace.
From your niece from England
Ripley (Rips) Morrison
Copie,
You were a true and constant friend ever since we met you, after your arrival in Canada. You shall be dearly missed.
Love,
Vislette and Mike Robinson.
Tribute to Copeland (Uncle Mac)
First Meeting. Early 1980’s in my early teens. I and my sister were waiting eagerly in anticipation for my Dad to bring home Uncle Mac (Copeland) from Heathrow Airport. What a surprise when up the path came this guy wearing Cowboy Boots and a wide Stetson Hat. Wow..A Real Black Cow Boy..!
During his stay in London he was so interested in all he saw. Asking questions and taking in the experience. All the people at church found him charming as the younger brother of my Father Elleston. Cut forward to the late 1990’s and we heard about his unfortunate circumstances and prayed, as all the family did, that he would pull through. With the grace of God and help from his beloved Crecent he did. We are so grateful that he had those extra years. In that time I visited the family in 2009. I remember walking in through the front door of the house and being faced with a elegant large staircase that went up and split 2 ways at the top. Wow. I thought I was on the set of Dynasty! He certainly was house proud, taking me through all the beautiful rooms, some of which he had worked on himself. Even more than his pride in his home was his love for Crescent, which was evident in my time spent there. He took me for a round of golf and even with his limitations, he still beat me and that after giving me a head start.
He also took me to his old Cement Works and spoke with great pride about its important use around the world. Even more touching was the fact that his old colleagues let him come in and show me around. It spoke volumes of the respect and high regard they had for him.
In the next few years there was an amazing transformation. It was Crescent who nursed him back to health, but in her hour of need, even with his own difficulties, he looked after her through her fight with dementia. Amazing..! It was such a sad loss for him, as was the Loss of Karl recently. Throughout it all he kept a bright and positive perspective. This I believe contributed to his extraordinary resilence. It also helped that he had a strong physical constitution. There’s not many Jamaicans who get excited about wintertime and clearing snow from the Driveway..! Anyway, in the recent years we would chat and he always asked to speak with Mum. These chats would instantly bring a smile to Mum’s face with his inimitable way of talking and bringing you into a conversation. Thankyou. We shall miss you. Rest in Peace Dearest Uncle. Dewight and Winnifred.
Copeland, I will never forget your basement party as a kid. My family and yours shared different things over the years in Kingston and in the later years. Thank you for everything. Love Natasha and Pearl Josiah
I was raised in the sugar cane industry and worked in the bauxite-alumina industry; Copeland started his working life in the sugar cane industry and then worked in bauxite. Our parallel paths crossed in Kingston, Ontario when I was seconded to the research centre of Alcan, and Copeland was already well established as a supervisor at a cement plant. We met on the cricket field with the re=established Kingston Cricket Club, Copeland had already retired from the sport , but was an active supporter, and frequently traveled with the team for the Sunday matches. You can imagine the irony, for a Jamaican, to be playing for the Kingston Cricket Club (a premier club in Jamaica, and host of Sabina Park) on the Governor General’s lawn.
Copeland was involved in the Caribbean community, and was an organizer for the annual fund-raising booth, which was always well supported by the town folk. Copeland and Crecent, his wife, would hold parties in his basement. It was at one of these parties, that I first witnessed a phenomenon, then not known in Jamaica, of the dance Electric Slide (sung by Marcia Griffiths). This dance was developed in Washington D.C., and spread throughout North America. Copeland and Crecent had many relatives who would come to the house and dance. Our families would often have Sunday dinner together, where we would relax and commune.
Copeland was proud to be from Westmoreland (his email address FROMEPO); and Jamaica – he had a picture on his wall of the Jamaican men’s and women’s Olympic 100m relay team gold winners.
Copeland kept an immaculate house. He kept a fruitful vegetable garden, and a well mowed lawn. He always cleaned his tools after use, and oiled the lawn mower for the winter. He showed me the air-to air heat exchange to conserve energy, knowing that I would appreciate the design.
Eventually, I moved to the Toronto area. However, my wife and I traveled to Kingston for the annual dinner dance and stayed with Copeland and Crecent for the weekend.
Copeland retired, and he and his family moved up to the Toronto, first in Brampton and then to Mississauga. It was fulfilling seing Copeland and Crecent watching TV and holding hands. It was a pleasure traveling with him to accomplish some of his chores. My wife and I put on a joint birthday party for Alexandra (16) his grand daughter and him (90) as their birthdays are only two days apart.
Copeland is a good guy, a man of integrity, hard working, who helps people up but does not tolerate laziness, kind yet firm, a Christian man.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Your friend,
David