Neil, Bad news I’m afraid. Ian Coppings wife Jan just called me that Ian passed away today.
As yet they don’t know the cause. Will keep you updated as to Funeral etc. If you can put it out on the web.
Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news mate.
   Tim Mitchell
Hi Neil... Spoke to Jan yesterday. She is still waiting for result of autopsy on Ian. If all goes to plan the funeral is planned for Tuesday 2nd March but will confirm that ASAP.
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Hi Neil
I am so shocked at the news of ian. ian and i were best mates when we were at playboy, (London) can you please send me details of where ian funeral will take place as i would like to pay my last respects to a great man and friend
bunny ashley (jenny martin)
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That is SOOOOOO sad.....I worked with Ian at Cable Beach and remember him being the funniest, yet kindest person to be around.....

My condolences to his family. Susan Christou
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Am so shocked to hear the terrible news of Ian's death.  Glen met him when they were training together at Stocks (and his fur coat!) and became very good friends.  We all went to Nassau together and Ian lived with us out there.  We kept in touch for years after leaving Nassau and Ian even worked for Glen for a while when he came back to England.  Sadly we lost touch and now it's too late!!  We always remember his brilliant sense of humour, his love and friendship and his bedroom in the apartment we shared with him at Delaport Point in Nassau!!!!!

All our love

Glen and Angie Hunt (Bunny Leila/Angie)

xxx

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This it too sad, we still can't quite believe that Ian is not with us anymore.  He was always such fun to be around and used to have everyone in stitches.
 
The last couple of times we saw Ian was in Jan 2005 and 2006, at the Bahamas Reunion in London where we had a really good chat with him and of course lots of laughter as always, it was so great to see him again after such a long time. 
 
We'll never forget when we very first arrived in the Bahamas and we were all still living at the Emerald Beach Hotel, Ian somehow managed to burn the soles of his feet after falling asleep whilst laying on his front.  I (Terry) had arrived in Nassau with a grotty thumb, having shut it in a car door.  So there we were, Ian on tippy toes and me with a big bandaged thumb, sitting in the corridor waiting to see the doc who came to the hotel a couple of times a week.  Even though he was in a lot of pain he still managed to make me laugh out loud, a great cure for the throbbing thumb!
 
Ian was a great guy to work with and we are privileged to have known him, our condolences go to his wife Jan and family.
 
With much love John and Terry Irwin
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Ian Copping by Neil Glander

Leave it to Copping to come up with a nickname for me that my Father and I had never heard or thought of before. Swollen Glander. A little embarrassing but everyone else found it most amusing. Leave it to Copping to keep everyone amused. It was only in the Bahamas daze that I was called that so strange when people call me Swoll at the reunions.

Leave it to Copping to make the reunions more enjoyable.

Ian had not lost his touch. Still able to light up a room with his entrance and soon have everyone in stitches. I remember Ian and Tim putting on a real show one year.

His attendance was made more special by the knowledge that he had travelled some distance. Ian always made a difference.

As fellow pioneers in The Bahamas we embarked on the adventure of a lifetime.

I was the baby of the group and, as such, a bit of a nuisance but that never stopped him leaping to my defence when my big mouth and inexperience got me in trouble with the bosses.

As well as inventing many nicknames Ian also came up with a name, and a tune, for the schedule that we worked in those early days.

The Loan Ranger Schedule:

8 Double 8 Double 8 Day Off - 8 Double 8 Double 8 Day Off.

Oh Boy… I could go on and on. The more one thinks about Ian the more happy memories come flooding back.

Thanks for memories Mate!

  Cheers,

    Swoll.

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Jan,
I am am saddened to hear of the passing of Ian. As i am a *petrol tank yank* who had worked with Ian in Nassau. I knew him to be a friendly and humorous person  Ian could light up a room with his personality and quick wit. I know this is a difficult time yet  have joy knowing that Ian brought his kindness, wit and laughter to many people while he was here. I will cheer Ian with a bevvy on March 2nd with a smile remembering Ian having a good laugh. 
 Regards
John Lynch
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I would like you please to pass on my best wishes to all of Ian.s family at this very sad time.
I have so many happy memories of my time in Nassau, and even though my time spent in Ian,s company was limited, I always found him to be a charming, witty and very friendly. He was one of those rare people you meet in life who always had a positive outlook. I cant remember him being anything but. I am sure as he grew older his charm and wit grew with him.
Once again to Ian,s wife and family please accept my best wishes through this sad period of your life.
Phil Nicholls
PI Casino 1976-1984
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Hello Neil
I don't know if you remember me but this is Bunny Billie Blower and I 
worked at Playboy from 1975 1980 and came to visit Bunny Amber 
( Cindy)  and Leslie Darby and Ian. I've just heard about Ian and It 
is so sad. He was lovely. Bye for now
Sue Rider ( Billie)
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What a shock ....Ian Copping ..such a terrible, terrible news , and I am not sure ,how old he was ,  but he was young ? WHY ? this question always come up when we lose somebody we love , we like , we work with and remember so well .....as he did have big personality .

Such a funny , kind and wonderful person .

My Deepest condolences .. to his wife and family .

Magdalena Ridley

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One thing in life thats not worth swapping,
Was meeting you, Mr Ian Copping.
Taken away from us early, its really cruel,
At least you always lived life to the full.
Always happy witty and funny,
No good in London as a playboy bunny.
Had to leave town for the Bahama Isles,
Always had a laugh, with plenty of smiles.
We love you Ian Copping and we are no mugs,
With the odd spliff here and some wonderful drugs.
Not allowed your wedding food we heard, Alas,
You only wanted poppodoms,bhaji,rice and madras.
Typical of you Ian, only wanted a curry,
We will all sadly miss you, but not in a hurry. 

With Love Carrie & Nigel Excell  Linda & Dougie Graham
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Ian, one of the kindest, most considerate and funny people l have ever met.
What a pleasure it was to work with him in Nassau, you knew you would have a good day as he kept everyone amused on those long shifts.
Socially, a generous gentleman who always had time to talk to you.
To see him again at the only London reunion l have been able to attend was memorable as one can see from the many pictures taken.
I have thought about him and Tim and all the familiar faces l met that evening many times in the years since then, hoping l could get back over to London to see everyone again.
I extend my sympathies to Ian's wife and family.  RIP.
NINA