David Ray Cope, age 47 years of Batesville, IN. Many people in Batesville lost a friend and many animals lost an advocate on Sunday, November 22, 2009. David Ray Cope lost his battle against lung cancer Sunday morning, dying peacefully at home around 9:00 a.m. Dave was diagnosed with lung cancer on January 22, 2009, after being taken to the hospital for pneumonia. Despite chemotherapy and several kinds of traditional and non-traditional drug treatments, the cancer spread quickly to his bones, liver and kidneys. Even during chemotherapy, a shiny-headed but high-spirited Dave continued to ride his bicycle around town alongside his wife, Pam. Though he currently owned no dogs of his own, he continued to walk and care for dogs he had befriended, even dogs owned by neighbors and casual acquaintances. Dave was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 28, 1962 to Harold and Lois (Ferguson) Cope. The family moved back to Indiana in 1973. After graduating from Batesville High School in 1980, Dave chose to remain in the Batesville area and was employed by first Batesville Casket and then Hill-Rom, most recently in the Overbed Table Department. Dave married his soul mate and the love of his life, Pam Stille at Dave's mother's house on January 24, 1987 by Harold Gardner. During their 22 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling to many places including Las Vegas and Natural Bridge. Even after Dave's cancer diagnosis, he and Pam made a trip to Washington, D.C. Even though the trip left Dave tired for days, he and Pam had a good time, and shared more than few laughs about some of the characters they met while on the trip. As the cancer limited Dave's ability to get out, he turned his focus to cleaning the house. Long known for being a clean freak, Dave found purpose each day in sweeping, mopping, cleaning, and watering the houseplants. Pam knew his days on earth were drawing to a close the day he didn't get up to sweep the floor. Dave is survived by his wife, Pam; his mother and step-father, Lois and John Turner of Batesville; one brother, Dan, of Covington, KY; one sister, Joyce (Joy) Navarra of Batesville, and many extended family members. He was preceded by his father, Harold Cope. Dave's final gift was the donation of his body to University of Cincinnati Medical Center in the hope that his death will help eradicate the disease which claimed his life much too soon. A very private person, Dave requested that there be no memorial service and that request is being honored by his family. Donations in honor of Dave's memory may be made to Hospice of Batesville or PAAIN, in care of Meyers Funeral Home. The family wishes to convey special thanks to the staff at The Hansen Center and Hospice for the unlimited compassion, and to all our friends and family who have done so much during Dave's illness and death.