With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Gerry Pope at the Seven Oaks Hospital on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, as a result of a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Noreen and devoted children, son Blair (Sandra) Pope and daughter Nicole (Graham) Schlag along with his granddaughters Madison (Braydon) Schlag and Kristi Pope and grandson Gage Pope. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Connie) Pope, sister in-law Ruth (Guy) Calci and his nephews, nieces and cousins. Gerry was predeceased by his granddaughter Ashley Schlag, parents Ernie and Jerry Pope and in-laws Nora and Mel Johnston along with his brother-in law David Jessop.
Gerry attended Earl Grey School and Kelvin High School where he was a member of the Kelvin’s football team that won the city championship. Gerry was an all- star player with the team (known as the front four) and liked to say that the Vice Principal once said that he only went to high school to play football. His Mom and Dad were his biggest supporters and never missed one of his games. He then played with the Rods and the Rams and received an invitation to attend the Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp. However, at the same time he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps as a police officer and joined the St. James Police Department, which ended his football career in order to pursue his police career.
Gerry was promoted to Detective during his time with St. James and joined the Winnipeg City Police when amalgamation happened in 1974. Gerry was then promoted to Sergeant and continued to work in the Crime Division as a Detective until he retired after 28 years of service in order to join the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation (“MPI”) as a Special Investigator in the Special Investigations Unit. During that time, Gerry asked to join the Winnipeg Crime Stoppers Board of Directors where he worked closely with his brother and coordinated many of the fundraising projects for the organization. He subsequently became Chairman of the Board of Directors until he retired from the organization and MPI after 17 years of service with MPI.
Like his parents, Gerry had an infectious personality and made many friends wherever he went. With Noreen, they ran a successful dog kennel operation and raised and bred various breeds of dogs. Together they won many awards showing their dogs at various dog shows. He was a lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Gerry had a big heart and he loved his family. He worked hard all of his life and pursued his dream of having a cottage at West Hawk Lake, starting with a burnt out trailer he refurbished when he was first married. Many happy days were spent at West Hawk in the trailer and the three cabins that would follow.
Gerry was a supporter of the Jets 1.0 and shared mini-packs with his little brother. He was also a season ticket holder of the Manitoba Moose until the Jets 2.0 returned to Winnipeg. He then became a season ticket holder of the Jets 2.0 for the last 11 years. He enjoyed driving his boats, VW cars and any car that was a convertible. He also loved his frequent trips to the Red Top restaurant and the Dairi-Wip Drive-in.
Gerry’s family meant the world to him and he loved them deeply. He was devastated by the tragic loss of Ashley in 2012 but he continued to be there for his family for the rest of his life. He endured a tremendous health struggle over the last year but we are comforted by knowing that he is now at peace and reunited with Ashley and his parents.
In accordance with Gerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on December 4, 2022 at Seasons Funeral Chapel, 576 Balsam Crescent, Oakbank, Manitoba from 2-4pm with memories being shared at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Rest in peace Gerry. You will be missed.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Gerry Pope Tuesday November 22nd 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba