'Family well loved, country well served, a life well lived'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  To celebrate the life of one of 31st Maintenance Squadron's own, hundreds of Airmen, maintainers, friends and family gathered during a memorial ceremony May 22 at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

The memorial was held in honor of Master Sgt. John J. Colpoys Jr., 39. Colpoys passed away in a motorcycle mishap in Budoia, Italy, on May 14. He is survived by his mother, wife and son. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters throughout the 31st MXS, and his beloved Aviano Green Knights, a motorcycle club in the local area.

"By sharing our grief we seek strength and unity. [John] was taken from us too soon but this is a celebration of life," said Maj. Franklyn Shepherd, 31st Maintenance Squadron commander during the ceremony. "After talking to the people who knew him most, I got to know John. He wouldn't ask his Airmen anything he wasn't willing to do himself. John was so proud to be a member of the U.S. Air Force and was the most loyal friend you could hope to have. The only thing that surpassed his zest for life was making sure others lived life to the fullest. John's love for his family was evident when you saw him with his mom, sister and grandmother. While stationed at various bases around the world, John was never alone. He always had friends. May God bless you Master Sgt. Colpoys Jr. and just know 'We got it!'"

As the service continued, friends and colleagues were asked to share memories of Colpoys' generosity, humility and passion for life.

"When my wife and I [moved] to Aviano he greeted us. It was important for him to make people feel welcome when they arrived here," said Master Sgt. Michael Prescott, 31st MXS transient alert service flight manager. "John lit up the room when he walked in it. He was unselfish. He didn't hesitate to help. He was my friend and brother and I'm going to miss him."

The Buffalo, N.Y., native began his Air Force career in 1994 and after being stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Misawa AB and Spangdahlem AB, he arrived in Aviano, where he quickly made many friends with what speakers called his "infectious smile" and "exuberant personality."

Since arriving at Aviano in 2011, speakers said Colpoys was vital to the mission as a transient alert technician; but his love for his family was next to none.

"He was a real maintainer but that wasn't all he was about. I can remember his eyes lighting up when he'd talk about his kids," said 1st Lt. Joseph Lorkowoski, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant officer in charge .

During the service, a moment of silence was observed while taps sounded; and "Amazing Grace" was played. Colpoys was posthumously presented the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his altruistic patronage to the 31st MXS.

"He was a wonderful man. John loved his military family too," said Lisa Colpoys, John Colpoys wife, through a written letter read during the ceremony. "I want you all to cherish the memories you had with John. Until we meet again, my love."