Obituary for Harvey Pope
Our family would like to share the sad news of the passing of Harvey Edward Pope A.I.F.D. on April 29th, 2021 at the age of 83. Harvey had suffered many health issues and amongst the most devastating to him was his loss of sight, he passed away at Eatonville Long Term Care Home after a valiant battle. He defied the odds when he tested positive for COVID during the 1st wave and rallied around to beat it, but his body was wearing down little by little over this past year and a half. Some of the caregivers at the home were wonderful and did everything they could to help make his stay as pleasant as possible, he in turn would inquire about their lives & families with genuine care and concern.
Harvey was born in Mimico at a small doctor’s clinic but was raised in Port Credit, son of Della & Aubrey Pope, sibling to Lona (Kee) & Brian. As children they enjoyed family trips to Florida, Woodland Beach and Streetsville where both his Grandfather & Great Grandfather were the local Black Smith’s, their family were original pioneers to the Streetsville area.
After owning a very successful floral business in Port Credit for many years – Briarwood Flower Shoppe, Harvey eventually moved to Toronto to further his craft of floral & interior design. He was a well-respected member of the American Institute of Floral Design and was awarded many honours by the organization. He had the pleasure of teaching at Seneca College, his students loved his passion and keen design sense and for him it was fulfilling to see his design students move on in the industry with his guidance. He was also a regular guest on a local television station, the Sue Warden Show that aired in the early 2000’s. Year after year he participated in Canada Blooms, Canada’s largest Garden and Floral Festival, always designing new and innovative showcases.
Some of the highlights of his illustrious career involved designing for the Art Gallery of Ontario’s 75th Anniversary celebrating the work of the Group of Seven, one of those creations stood over 30 feet high and became a popular focal point in the gallery. He also led symposiums in Chicago in honour of his favourite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Harvey worked alongside the best designers in North America through-out his career, many of whom he shared wonderful personal & working friendships with.
Harvey was commissioned several times to spend 3-month stints in international destinations designing prototypes for the world floral markets. Those who knew Harvey knew of his passion for all forms of design, architecture, arts, music & theatre. He was extremely bright and gifted in so many ways, he graduated from high school with honours just before turning 16, it was shortly after this that his love of travel began when he ventured on a trip New York all alone. Once the travel bug bit him, he quickly became world traveled and always had an interesting story to share with everyone he met along the way.
He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends. He shared an extra special bond with his niece Debbie right up until his passing, something they both treasured dearly.
Our family rejoices the man we all loved; we know that he is enjoying the most beautiful garden ever “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, surrounded by the family that passed before him. He was really looking forward to being reunited with his beloved Mother and spoke of her often during his final days.
Harvey will be cremated and buried in the family plot in Streetsville, a celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID restrictions. Donations in his memory can be made to The Casey House.
You made a permanent mark in all of our hearts; we love you Harvey – this is not goodbye but rather “until we meet again”. May the good Lord bless you and keep you safe in his kingdom, may you be surrounded with the care and love you showed us here on earth.
You are safe now, beyond the rainbow....
Harvey was born in Mimico at a small doctor’s clinic but was raised in Port Credit, son of Della & Aubrey Pope, sibling to Lona (Kee) & Brian. As children they enjoyed family trips to Florida, Woodland Beach and Streetsville where both his Grandfather & Great Grandfather were the local Black Smith’s, their family were original pioneers to the Streetsville area.
After owning a very successful floral business in Port Credit for many years – Briarwood Flower Shoppe, Harvey eventually moved to Toronto to further his craft of floral & interior design. He was a well-respected member of the American Institute of Floral Design and was awarded many honours by the organization. He had the pleasure of teaching at Seneca College, his students loved his passion and keen design sense and for him it was fulfilling to see his design students move on in the industry with his guidance. He was also a regular guest on a local television station, the Sue Warden Show that aired in the early 2000’s. Year after year he participated in Canada Blooms, Canada’s largest Garden and Floral Festival, always designing new and innovative showcases.
Some of the highlights of his illustrious career involved designing for the Art Gallery of Ontario’s 75th Anniversary celebrating the work of the Group of Seven, one of those creations stood over 30 feet high and became a popular focal point in the gallery. He also led symposiums in Chicago in honour of his favourite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Harvey worked alongside the best designers in North America through-out his career, many of whom he shared wonderful personal & working friendships with.
Harvey was commissioned several times to spend 3-month stints in international destinations designing prototypes for the world floral markets. Those who knew Harvey knew of his passion for all forms of design, architecture, arts, music & theatre. He was extremely bright and gifted in so many ways, he graduated from high school with honours just before turning 16, it was shortly after this that his love of travel began when he ventured on a trip New York all alone. Once the travel bug bit him, he quickly became world traveled and always had an interesting story to share with everyone he met along the way.
He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends. He shared an extra special bond with his niece Debbie right up until his passing, something they both treasured dearly.
Our family rejoices the man we all loved; we know that he is enjoying the most beautiful garden ever “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, surrounded by the family that passed before him. He was really looking forward to being reunited with his beloved Mother and spoke of her often during his final days.
Harvey will be cremated and buried in the family plot in Streetsville, a celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID restrictions. Donations in his memory can be made to The Casey House.
You made a permanent mark in all of our hearts; we love you Harvey – this is not goodbye but rather “until we meet again”. May the good Lord bless you and keep you safe in his kingdom, may you be surrounded with the care and love you showed us here on earth.
You are safe now, beyond the rainbow....