Obituary of Brian Hope

Hope Peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2002 at the Grove Park Retirement Home, Barrie in his 79th year. Brian Hope returned to meet his saviour. Survived by his children Anne Louise Carney and husband Patrick of Barrie, Ont., Michael Hope and wife Teresa of Oakville, Ont., Derek Hope of Calgary Alta., Kathy Hope and partner Errol Dube of Manotick, Ont., and Jennifer Hope of Burnaby, B.C., by eleven grandchildren, by nephew Sean Coxen, sisters Margaret and Kathleen, brother Joe and their families and his relatives in England, New Zealand and Ireland. Predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Esther Mary in 1988, his brothers Fran, Barnie and Terry. Dad was a British veteran of the second World War. Joining his two older brothers at the age of 18 in 1942. He met his lifelong sweetheart "Dolly" at a church dance in England shortly after the war, and were married in 1948. Esther and Brian emigrated to London in 1951, where they enjoyed their next 47 years together. Dad worked at Dennis Steel and Excello in London and later in Prestolite, Sarnia and Dominion Chain, Stratford where he finished out his career as credit manager. Dad's sense of humor was infectious and widely appreciated by many. His strong sense of duty, selflessness, pride in his family, faith and strong christian values were reflected throughout his long and rewarding life. He enjoyed his daily walks around Oakridge acres in his latter years meeting new friends, "tickling the ivories" to ragtime music, and sneaking off occasionally to indulge in a "shandy" and fine plate of english fish and chips. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the tremendous support he received from neighbours, friends, volunteers, Church members and care givers after the passing of his beloved wife. He valued greatly spending his last few years in his home amongst his neighbours of thirty five years, and worshiping at St. Pius X Church, until his declining health would no longer allow such independence. He will be dearly missed by many. Visitation at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London on Monday, November 11 at 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, November 12th, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 11a.m., St. Pius X Church, 777 Valetta Street., London. Burial to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. Rather than sending flowers, please feel free to make memorial contributions to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Prayers Tuesday evening at 7:30.