St. Williams: On
Sunday evening at 5:30 the entire village and community was saddened at
the passing of John Holtby Cope, one of the most highly respected and
widely known pioneers of Norfolk.
The
late Mr. Cope was born in the village on December 2[8]th, 1852 and was
one of three children born to Fred and Catharine Cope. At his death he
was the sole surviving member of his family, his brother and sister
having predeceased him some years ago. On October 2[6], 1876 he was
united in marriage to Agnes Kitchen, two children blessing this union.
The
deceased was splendidly active all his life in public welfare work and
many offices were allotted to him. For years he served on the County
Council, becoming Warden of Norfolk in 1894. For thirty-three years he
was secretary-treasurer of the School Board and for forty-three years he
was postmaster, retiring from that position eight years ago.
At
this same time he was magistrate and commissioner. A loyal member of the
United Church, he was recording secretary of the Board for over forty
years, the office being given him at the death of G. W. Newman. For many
years he served as elder and latterly was made a life member of the
session. For years also he was a familiar figure in the choir and
treasurer of the church.
Many
a young person has found his helping hand and staunch friendship and
faith a real inspiration. Any project that was for the good of the
village and community could be sure of his loyal support. A clean
sportsman, he was an ardent baseball fan and the game could not be
played fair and square enough to satisfy him.
His
entire life was lived in St. Williams with the exception of two or three
years spent in the Northwest in company with the late Captain George
Price.
It is only natural
that all who knew him should feel deeply the loss of a conscientious,
loyal and true friend.
He
leaves to mourn his loss, besides his host of friends, his wife, one son
F. P. Cope of Kalamanzoo, Mich., one daughter Mrs. F. [E]. Johnson of
the village three grandchildren and one [great] great-grandchild.
The
funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon from his late residence to Newkirk
Cemetery.
[Two
paragraphs of funeral description omitted]
