Roy Leon John Pope
June 30, 1927 – September 26, 2018
Roy was born in Hertford, England on June 30, 1927 to Anna Elizabeth and Harold Jack Pope.
He helped build American airbuses in the south of England for the 8th Army Air Corp. Roy worked on the bomb damage in London until he entered the Army at the age of 17. In 1945, he severed in the North Africa area until 1948. After his military service, he immigrated to the United States, where he worked for PAN AMERICAN Airlines in San Francisco, California. He moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he started his career at the Broadmoor Hotel in the paint shop. After a few years, he was appointed manager of the Golden Bee Pub. He later moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio to help manage the Hillbrook Country Club. He returned to Colorado Springs where he opened and managed the BeachComber restaurant and bar, which he later sold. He worked for Kroger Foods in Wichita, Kansas until he retired and returned to Colorado Springs. During his retirement years, Roy was honored and pleased to serve as an usher at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shelia Clark and Rita McClain; his wife, Bertha Pope; three step sons: Toby Valdez, Candy Valdez, and Dennis Valdez; and one step daughter, Tillie Valdez- Bishop.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Jones and Donna Bolchalk; a step daughter, Myra Valdez-Gray; one daughter in law, Mary Valdez; 14 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; two nephews; and four nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Private inurnment will be at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Columbarium of Ascension.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Roy’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the American Cancer Society.
Kim Clarke
2 Oct 2018So sad to hear of your passing uncle Roy, I have such fond memories of you not only as a child on your visit to Hertford but in recent years and your hospitality to us on our visit to Colorado Springs. Rest in peace. Kim & Ann
Helen Andrews
3 Oct 2018Roy was a true inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed. His zest for life and true concern for others is something I will truly treasure.
I had the amazingly good fortune to meet him, while at the Broadmoor, when he flipped a Golden Bee on my jacket. Then Providentially met him again years later in Indianapolis!!! His laughter and smile have been a blessing to so many, we here in Indianapolis, will miss him and are so sorry to all his family for your loss.