The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for you kindness, thoughtfulness and prayers in our time of loss.  Joseph Francis Pope Jr. was born to Joseph and Anna May Pope on December 26, 1927 in Oklahoma City, OK.  Joe often talked about his involvement with the Boy Scouts in his younger years.  At 13 he gave his life to the Lord.  After attending the Seattle Pacific Bible College in 1953, Joe went on to work at the Mokahum Bible School in Cass Lake, MN.  In May of 1954, Joe moved to Canada and helped start Torch Trail Bible camp.  He has always loved working with children!  September 1954, Joe attended Briercrest Bible School, and in 1955 he joined Northern Canada Evangelical Mission.  On February 11, 1959, Joe married Helen at Shamattawa, MB, and took her to God’s Lake, MB.  November 19, 1959 brought the birth of twins, Walter and Wanda.  In 1961, the family moved to Cumberland House, SK and August 11 of that year a son, Leslie Wayne, joined the family.  (Dad was rescued from the middle of a forest fire up North at the time of Wayne’s birth!)  Joe and Helen were very involved in ministry to children.  In February of 1963 Joe became a Canadian citizen.  Then came another move in 1970, this time to Steinbach, MB.  Joe received his Bachelor of Religious Education from the Winnipeg Bible College.  The family moved to the Montana Reserve in AB.  While there, his heart was burdened to write Bible courses to use in the villages.  Joe initiated the Bible Education by Extension program under NCEM.  Joe and Helen continued their work on the Reserve while living in Ponoka.  Joe also began teaching the elders in northern First Nations settlements.  1984 brought another move, to Lac La Biche, AB.  Even though Joe’s heart was failing, he was involved at Key Way Tin Bible School, and continued writing Bible courses.  He obtained his amateur radio license – VE6JOP and remained an active member even after moving to Prince Albert, SK. in 1999.  In 2015 Joe was diagnosed with cancer in his ear.  His health was failing but his trust in God was strong and was reflected in his peacefulness, contentedness, and ready smiles.  On January 20th Joe made his final move, this time to be with his Saviour.  Joe and Helen would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this February 11th.  Joseph was predeceased his parents Joseph Francis Sr (Anna May) Pope; his sister Ruth Jane (Charles) Alexander; his brother Henry (Evelyn) Pope; his nephew Mike Alexander, and daughter-in-law Grace Pope.  He is survived by his wife Helen; his sons Walter, Wayne (Pam); his daughter Wanda (Brent) Wahlstrom; his grandchildren: Joseph and Janelle Pope; Cheri (Robert) Headrick; Hannah, Tabitha, Josiah, Noah, Shammah, and Araunah Wahlstrom and also counted as family: Olive Cochrane and Mark (Chris) Reimer.  Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from 7:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m. at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK.  Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, 1351 – 28th Street East, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Jim Fast officiating.  Interment will be held at White Star Cemetery.  Memorial donations can be made in memory of Joseph F Pope to: Tribal Trails, Box 3030, Prince Albert SK S6V 7V4.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

 

• Date : 2016-01-20