By Charles James
Special to The Inyo Register
10-15-2009

One of Lone Pine’s beloved anglers will forever be remembered at one of her favorite fishing holes thanks to a dedication sponsored by community members and county officials.
Saturday, Oct. 3, a beautiful fall day full of sunshine, blue skies and with the Eastern Sierra as a backdrop, a moving tribute was held at the new handicap accessible deck at Diaz Lake for long-time Lone Pine resident and local fishing expert Leva Brown Copple, a Shosone Native American, who passed away in Lone Pine at the age of 89 a year ago on Sept. 30, 2008.
The new deck, called “Leva’s Perch,” was dedicated tearfully and lovingly in her memory as family and friends joined Inyo County Fifth District Supervisor Richard Cervantes and Third District Supervisor and Board Chair Beverly Brown to recognize Copple’s lifetime of community involvement in Lone Pine.
Copple’s son-in-law and one of her many fishing partners Bruce Cotton often found it difficult to speak as he related stories of her love of camping, hiking and fishing during the dedication. In a comment that elicited laughter, he noted that she also loved Budweiser beer.
Several guests spoke of her generosity, her loving and fun-loving spirit and how she changed their lives.
That Copple had a profound impact on many lives was evident in the number friends and family members in attendance at the dedication. Elders are respected in Native American tribal culture and clearly, Copple was a well-respected and beloved member of her tribe as well as the local community and her family.
The Lone Pine VFW color guard was also on hand to honor Leva with a presentation of colors in recognition of her service and membership with the Ladies Auxiliary for 48 years. She was also known for her involvement with many other community activities throughout her lifetime.

Bruce Cotton, who was instrumental in constructing the Diaz Lake handicapped fishing deck, dedicates the deck to his mother-in-law, Leva Copple, naming it “Leva’s Perch.” Photo submitted

The handicapped accessible fishing ramp is a fitting tribute in Copple’s memory. It is built on a lake shore on which she spent many hours during her lifetime, even during bad weather, often not leaving until she had her “limit.” It was noted that she would scoff at the fishermen who would leave at the first sign of bad weather, saying, “they’re not true fishermen. A true fisherman doesn’t let a little bad weather stop them from fishing.”
Supervisor Cervantes said that handicapped accessible decks open beautiful vistas and fishing opportunities to those who might otherwise be unable to join them. He thanked all those who made it possible, a list which included the City of Los Angeles, the County of Inyo, tribal members, Lions clubs of Lone Pine and Bishop and many volunteers.
“Leva’s Perch” enables others to more easily enjoy her love of fishing and the beauty of nature. Family and friends agree that it is a fitting tribute to a wonderful and appreciated life.