South Haven’s Robert “Bob” Copping has been honored with a Governor’s Service Award for his years of dedication to the community.
At a Wednesday ceremony in Lansing, Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the awardees for their selflessness and spirit of cooperation.
“Tonight you get to see what I see, the quiet, diligent work of our honorees,” Whitmer said. “Tonight that hidden, quiet work gets the spotlight it deserves. Through their gifts, whether it be time or talent or treasure, these Michiganders have gone above and beyond to serve others.”
The 93-year-old Copping was honored with the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of community service in South Haven and beyond. In a video, Mayor Annie Brown said Copping’s accomplishments include starting SHOUT for South Haven.
“It started out with disgruntled taxpayers, and now they are the engine behind a lot of what we see,” Brown said.
SHOUT is now an organization devoted to enhancing the community through beautification projects, public art, and civic engagement. Copping also founded the South Haven Speaker Series, which brings a variety of guest speakers to the community each year.
In a statement, Copping says, “I accept this award with gratitude and with a renewed commitment to continue serving, learning and giving back to the beautiful community of South Haven.”
