PTC News Desk: Members of the Sikh community in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio, gathered at Springfield City Hall and the local high school to honour former Mayor Warren Copeland's legacy. Mayor Copeland served from 1990 to 1994 and from 1998 until his retirement in November 2023.
Mayor Copeland, who passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, at the age of 80, had been a beloved friend to the Sikh community. He actively participated in events such as the Springfield Culture Festival and Memorial Day Parade.
Avtar Singh, a Springfield resident for over 25 years, attended the memorial visitation and service with his family. They shared their deepest condolences with Mayor Copeland's wife, Clara, and the family. Sarabjit Kaur, reflecting on Mayor Copeland's friendship, mentioned his regular visits to the Sikh booth at the Springfield Culture Festival, where he engaged with the community and volunteered to have a Turban tied by Sikh volunteers.
Community activist Sameep Singh Gumtala also attended the service and reminisced about tying Mayor Copeland's turban each year at the Culture Fest. He praised Mayor Copeland's commitment to inclusivity and understanding, evident in his active engagement with diverse communities. Beyond his mayoral duties, Warren Copeland was a Professor of Religion at Wittenburg University, teaching Social Ethics. Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala, a resident of Beavercreek, also expressed his condolences, highlighting Mayor Copeland's impact on building a unified society.
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Mayor Copeland's willingness to participate in community events demonstrated his understanding of the importance of shared experiences in fostering harmony and unity in society.
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