Obituary of William George Pope

Age 82 of Halifax passed away December 13, 2018, five days shy of his 83^rdbirthday. He was a son of the late Edward Charles and Catherine (DeWolfe) Pope.  Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He especially enjoyed working in his workshop, creating some masterpiece out of wood.  His gardening and landscaping were an envy to his neighbours.  He was competitive with his bowling and strived for very high scores every time. He cooked and baked like no other.  He made the best turkey dinner with all the trimmings including his mother’s Christmas pudding, light and dark fruit cake. He was a perfectionist in every way as anything he did had to be done at his very best and sometimes his best wasn’t good enough.  Dad enjoyed singing in the Church Choir and Chebucto Choir.  He performed in skits with mom, singing and dancing and they were very well known for there Jive dancing. Dad played the best Santa with the most endearing HoHoHo for his grandkids throughout their childhood.

He enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, especially his CN Rail buddies, Bobby Boutilier, Gerry McIntyre, Jerry Wilson and Dennis Bowes, and his bowling league and church friends.

Dad worked as a clerical worker for over 36 years with CN Rail and retired in September 1993.  Before that he worked for Standard Paving and driving dump trucks with his father.  At the tender age of 17, dad graduated from Technical Trading School with Royal Canadian Air Force leaving after 3 years to pursue other interests.  He always regretted leaving when he did.

He spent his free time watching old movies; cooking, gardening, watching the History Channel, antiques and vintage vehicles.  You could always see dad on his daily walk either alongside mom or on his own.  He was very keen on keeping in shape and being healthy.  Dad also enjoyed reading, especially poetry.  He would sometimes read one or two to us and he read like a pro. His penmanship was impeccable and boy could he draw.   Dad liked to collect model cars, fire trucks and trains and loved paintings of old ships.  He was very strong in his Catholic Faith and would never miss Sunday in Church.  Dad was always here to help relatives and friends with household projects, financial advice, car issues and the list goes on.  He was our “Go to” knight in shinning armor.  If you were in a jamb, he would get you out.  Dad was our Hero, the rock for our family.  Life will never be the same and we will all miss him dearly.

Bill is survived by his wife, Noreen Fancis (Bona) Pope of 59 years, Halifax; son, William Bernard Pope Jr, Halifax; daughters, Kathy Anne Pope, East Chezzetcook and Maureen Frances Pope, Halifax; loving grandchildren, Patrick, Natasha, Tyler Maskell, Breanna Pope and twins, Evan and Brandon Pope; brother, Edward (Linda) Pope; sisters, Marion Jeffrey, Mary (Bob) Simmons and Audrey (Rene) Fougere; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Palliative Care and VON teams for their amazing support. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards J. Albert Walker Funeral Home and Mount Olivet Cemetery for being very accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 19 at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Purcells Cove Road, with a Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Bill will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery with immediate family only.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences you may visit: www.walkerfh.com