The following is Mayor Carl Gerlach’s statement on the passing of Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland.
“Today, I was saddened to learn of the loss of Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland.
Michael Copeland was not just a leader of the City of Olathe; he was the city’s greatest cheerleader. Under his guidance, Olathe has become an excellent place to live, work and play and a great neighbor to the City of Overland Park.
Mayor Copeland was a humble leader not just for the city but the region. Mike and a team of local elected officials created a vision for Union Station as a cultural hub of our region through the Bi-State Commission. It was with Mike’s guidance that the commission was able to create new opportunities for all communities and people in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
In addition to our shared public service, Michael was a good personal friend. We grew close after working together for many years, and I will miss him. To Mike’s family, Maria, Olivia, Abigail and Joshua: Thank you for sharing Mike with us. Our community is a better place because of his service.”