WALTER ERNEST ("ERNIE") WILLIAM POPE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WALTER ERNEST ("ERNIE") WILLIAM POPE Detective Superintendent (Retd.) Winnipeg Police Force 1916 - 2002 With sadness, we announce that at the age of 86, Ernie Pope passed away on September 23, 2002 at the Victoria Hospital after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor and May Pope; his sisters, Ivy and Alberta; brother Donald; infant son Ernest James and an infant grandson. He is survived by his loving and caring wife Jerry along with sons, Gerry (Noreen) and Richard (Connie). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Blair (Cathy), Nicole (Graham), Courtney and Melissa; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Madison, Gage and Kristi; brother Gordon and sister Cynthia; brother-in-law Jack Mackie along with his nephews and nieces. Ernie was born on May 2, 1916 in Kelowna and moved at an early age to Calgary. The family then moved to Winnipeg where he made his home for the rest of his life. Ernie and Jerry married 63 years ago and faced life with determination and love. Together they raised their family and were an important part of all of our lives. They were proud of their home in St James and were able to remain there until last year when they moved together to The Golden Door Geriatric Centre where Jerry continued to look after him as she has done throughout their marriage. Ernie joined the Winnipeg Police Force in 1938 and served until he retired with the rank of Detective Superintendent in 1974. His service with the Force was briefly interrupted during the war years when he served in both the Air Force and the Navy. Upon his return to Winnipeg, Ernie rejoined the Police Force and eventually became a detective where his skills and talents in solving crimes led to numerous promotions resulting in his leadership of the Detective Division during 1968-1974. He served in numerous capacities during his years as a detective, including Inspector-in-charge of Court Services and was especially proud of the fact that during his time as Superintendent, the Division cleared 52 of 53 homicides. He participated in many high profile cases over the years, including one case in which he provided testimony in a Florida Court against a fugitive, whom he apprehended in Winnipeg for a Florida homicide. Ernie was a true professional, who loved his job and was well respected by both his police colleagues and the court personnel whom he dealt with, as attested to by the lifelong friendships he formed. Upon his retirement in 1974, Ernie devoted himself to his family and spent many enjoyable hours entertaining his grandchildren. He never failed to have a story to tell and imparted his wisdom on all of us. He was devoted to Jerry whom he watched over until his passing. He was always there for us and we will all miss him terribly. The family would like to thank the staff at Golden Door for looking after Ernie. The last year has been a difficult one for him and your patience and love helped him through it. We would also like to express our appreciation to the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their compassion and assistance. In accordance with Ernies wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m. in the Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernies memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6. Thank you Ernie for all the years we had together. I will always love you and if you walk slowly, like you promised, I will catch up to you someday. Love Jerry. Thank you Dad for all the love and guidance that you gave us over the years. We will remember you forever. Love Richard, Connie, Gerry and Noreen. We love you Grandpa. Courtney, Melissa, Blair and Nicole. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2002