Ralph "Nick" Kopsas, 73, of Merlin, died Monday, Sept. 14, 1998, at his home. Memorial graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Southern Oregon Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements.
He was born on March 3, 1925, in Sioux Center, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a seaman first class and was a shipwreck survivor. In 1958, he moved to Grants Pass from Los Angeles. He worked at Redwood and Fourply Mills for many years. He married the former Letha Crossley 28 years ago in Grants Pass.
His memberships included the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, the Eagles Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the Merlin Horseshoe Club, and the Old Timers Bowling League.
He especially enjoyed playing cards. He volunteered for different organizations including the Meals on Wheels Program in the Cave Junction and O'Brien areas.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Judy Theis of Phoenix, Ariz.; three stepdaughters, Nellie Wildey of Grants Pass, Mary Kamps of Missoula, Mont., and LaVeeta Baily of Medford; a stepson, Alfred Kamps of Reno, Nev.; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, seven step grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren.
