EDWIN HERBERT COPPOCK

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EDWIN HERBERT COPPOCK 1917 - 2012 Edwin Herbert Coppock passed away peacefully on March 12, 2012, at the Luther Home, aged 94. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Jean; daughter Jackie and husband Del; son Fred and wife Ingrid; brother Doug; grandchildren Ian, Kathy, Neil, Rory, Troy, Carrie and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his sister Audrey and brother John as well his father Fred and mother Ruby. Ed was born on July 12, 1917 in Winnipeg. The family resided in rural north Transcona before moving to the West Kildonan area in 1934. Soon after his marriage to Jean in 1941 Ed enlisted in the Canadian Army and served the next four years in Europe with the Royal Mechanical Corps. Upon his discharge in 1945 he worked with Hearst Construction before joining the Canadian Pacific Railway Company where he worked in several capacities until his retirement. One of Ed's more memorable moments came in 1950. Ed and Jean had just purchased their first home the previous spring and celebrated the birth of their first child, Jackie, in April of 1950. What followed was, of course, the famous flood of May 1950 and their home was severely damaged. Undaunted, Ed and Jean persevered and remained in their home for the next 57 years, although always keeping a weary eye on the nearby river. In his younger days Ed was an avid duck hunter and took great enjoyment in the annual fall outings to the Neltey Marsh area with his hunting pals. He became skilled at woodworking and during his retirement spent those cold winter months in his basement workshop crafting lawn furniture and ornaments for both family and friends. His greatest enjoyment, however, came from the summers spent at the Matlock cottage. Over the years he was the recipient of several local gardening awards. His vegetable garden and lawn were the subject of much envy in the neighbourhood and he took great pride in their upkeep. The family would like to thank the staff of Luther Home for their kindness, care and compassion during the past year. Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place at a later date. For those who desire and in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Luther Home in remembrance of Ed. Our Father Kept a Garden Our father kept a garden. A garden of the heart; He planted all the good things, That gave our lives a start. He turned us to the sunshine, And encouraged us to dream; Fostering and nurturing The seeds of self-esteem. And when the wind and rain came, He protected us enough; But not too much because he knew We would stand up strong and tough. His constant good example, Always taught us right from wrong; Markers for our pathway that will last A lifetime long. We are our Father's garden We are his legacy Thank you Dad we love you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2012