My son, Richard Pope, will always live in my heart. I will always remember him as a "gentle giant"--- One who embodied attributes that seemed contradictory at times. On the inside, he was a gentle, kind soul---especially with children. He loved small children and always made a point to spend joyful, playful times with them. On the other hand, he had an exterior of steel when he felt that the situation warranted it. I had the honor of watching him grow from a shy, easy-going boy to a handsome man, in whom all of these qualities developed. His most valued treasures were his sons. Many life-altering decisions were made with their interests at heart, but at times to his detriment. He would do anything for them & loved them above all else. Rich was a police officer for 5 years, in the city of Westminster. When he decided to quit the department, it was after much soul-searching and overwhelming sadness. He never truly relinquished his passion for that profession; and never reached the same level of success in any of his future career goals. In his personal life, he fought many demons. He had many friends, and I'll never know about some of the "guy acitivities" that went on between them. Mercifully, Rich spared me many of those details. Relationships came with joyful peaks and roller-coaster valleys. He found his greatest happiness when he spent time outdoors with his boys. He loved hunting, fishing, swimming and surfing with them in Northern California. One day, soon after his death, I was in a furniture store in Tucson, AZ. I happened to glance up at a huge painting of an Indian warrior on horseback. I was drawn to that corner, and I heard Rich say "Mom, you know that warriors die young." I broke down in tears, and as I grieved for my brave warrior, a peace slowly settled over me. "Yes," I replied, "but we miss you and love you so much." I miss him every day. As his sons grow up to be young men, I see reflections of their father in them. I am blessed by the gift of my grandsons and treasure the time that I can spend with them. I am always mindful of how short and fleeting life can be.

Date Of Birth: 9-5-1963
Date Deceased: 11-18-2006
Age at Death: 43
Cause of Death: Shooting
Classmate City: Cypress
Classmate State: CA
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: His Mom Jeanine Hansen, Dan Pope Father, Derek Pope brother, Kit Sister, Tristan Son, Dakota Son