Obituary of Lloyd Pope

May 4, 1936 – Fernie, British Columbia

December 10, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Peacefully, and surrounded by his loving family, my beloved husband Melvin Lloyd Pope, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 87 years.  

Lloyd was born in Fernie, British Columbia on May 4, 1936. Before his family set roots in Calgary they moved frequently as his father Melvin Pope, held a senior position in the oil patch community. The family lived for short periods hauling their little mobile home throughout Alberta to Little New York (Long View), Little Chicago later named Royalty, Black Diamond, Morinville, etc.

Lloyd graduated from Western Canada High School where he met his best friends whom he continued to stay in touch with. Shortly afterward Lloyd met his wife, Cathy, and married on May 10, 1958. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage and raised two daughters. Lloyd was a dedicated employee and had a successful 35-year career at Esso Resources where he was respected and liked by many.

Lloyd was a man of many talents and was particularly proud of his photography skills and the fact that he could build and fix everything and anything. He was our very own Mr. Fix-It and could get anything up and running without outside help. Lloyd also spent countless hours over 12 years supporting his daughters in competitive roller figure skating. Lloyd escorted them and the team/club to provincial, national and world competitions and was the Canadian Federation of Amateur Roller-Skaters President.  

Lloyd was also known as the “Bat Man of Sylvan Lake” and was featured in the local newspaper due to his vast knowledge on bats. He shared this knowledge with many, such as hosting a workshop with his granddaughters Brownies group, teaching friends, family and neighbours how to coexist with them and how to build custom bat houses. Woodworking was also a passion and he made toy cars, furniture, bird houses, birch tree chairs, squirrel/bird feeders, etc. In fact, Lloyd also made our very own trailer that we enjoyed at Mara Lake for many years.

Lloyd and the family made many fond memories at our vacation homes in Sylvan Lake and Palm Springs. He was known as the resident Handy Man and helped many local homeowners with repairs and renovations.

Most importantly however, my husband Lloyd will be remembered as a loving family man, a devoted husband, father and friend to many. He was also very happy being able to recently reconnect with his brother Ken.

Besides his loving wife, Lloyd is survived by his two daughters and one son-in-law; Jody (Mike) Duffy of Cranbrook, BC and Tracy Rinehart of Calgary AB; four grandchildren, Amy (Geoff) Walker, Katelyn (Ari) Kupritz, and Kayla Duffy all of Cranbrook BC, and Shelby (Parker Smyth) Rinehart of Canmore AB; five great- grandchildren all of Cranbrook BC, Briar and Presley Walker; Asher, Theo and Ellie Kupritz.

Lloyd is also survived by his brother Ken Pope, Niece Erin Pope, and Nephew Bruce (Shelley) Pope all of Vancouver B.C. and as well as many other cousins and friends.

Lloyd was predeceased by parents Melvin and Mary Pope, Sister-in-law Jan Pope, and Son-in-law Jeff Rinehart.

Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday December 18, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Reception to follow at the Church. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lloyd’s family here.

In living memory of Lloyd Pope, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.