Ernest Charles Pope

August 24, 1921 - November 4, 2018
Comforted with much love, our Dad peacefully took his final breath on Sunday, November 4th, 2018.

Ernest Charles Pope (Ernie) was born in Tottenham, England on August 24, 1921.

He spent his 97 years living his life with great enthusiasm and adventure, never leaving any stone unturned. He loved people and loved his family of which he was ultimately proud. He provided us with wonderful opportunities and a life that we are and will be, forever grateful!

Dad was born into a family of four sisters and one brother. Realizing the importance of "family", Dad spent continuous years keeping in touch with the extended family and researching his family tree.

Understanding the importance of education, Dad continued evening courses of accounting, auditing and of course music, after graduating from secondary school. This was the basis of his future successes.

In 1942, Dad joined the H.M. Royal Navy of which he served for 4 years. After receiving an honorable discharge, Dad accepted a position with the Metropolitan police. This lasted until he found new employ with the Eastern Electricity Board as an Auditor.

Dad met and married Margaret Winnifred Wright on August 11th, 1951. Realizing their dream of a more secure life for planned family, they emigrated to Canada in March, 1953. Dad was soon hired by Alcan, Vancouver and through the years, this employment carried him through various positions and locations until his transfer to Kitimat in January 1956. He remained in their employ until his retirement in March of 1981. Dad absolutely loved living in this northern community of B.C. His love of life, opportunity and people were evident as he whole heartedly embraced everything that Kitimat had to offer. Dad always considered Kitimat "Home". Dad was an active member of every community he lived in. He was a firm believer that if you were lonely, it's because you wanted to be. Life offers so many qualities that one can take advantage of. He loved music and started his passion of playing violin and accordion at a very young age. He always took advantage of the church and community choirs thus meeting new friends of which he created special bonds with. Mom and Dad actually began their new family in Vanderhoof when Lesley, was born. Susan followed a few years later, in Kitimat. Sadly, at the all too young age of 41, Mom passed away in 1972.

Dad later married again, to Iris Margaret Baldwin, who quickly was loved and embraced by all three of us. A longtime friend from England, she agreed to join him in Kitimat. After retirement, they set out on a new adventure to Vancouver Island. Together, they took on many new challenges that included music, dance, gardening, walking, swimming and anything else that they could possible fit into the day. Very sadly, Mom passed away on August 30th, 2007 at the age of 81.

Determined to continue on with his independent life, Dad made the decision to move from his home to Origins, Nanaimo, where he later met his much loved friend and companion, Nell Campbell. They enjoyed the last year's together, being together and supporting each other, every possible hour of the day. Dad was followed in death, by Nell, on November 6, 2018.

Loved and respected by all who knew him, Dad is survived by his daughters Lesley Cuffe (Parksville), Sue Pope & Jim Marr (Bowser), and step-son John Baldwin and family (Janice and their son Jeffrey - Vancouver)

Dad will be fondly remembered by family and friends most certainly in England, New Zealand, Kitimat and Nanaimo.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, in Dad's honour.

On November 30th, we invite you to help us Celebrate the lives of Dad and Nell. Origins @ Longwood, Nanaimo 1:30 to 3:00.

... to the world you may be one person...to us, you are the world.... ...love you Dad!