Dad was born in Winnipeg, December 31, 1921, and grew up in Fort Rouge, attending Lord Roberts and Kelvin. After graduating high school, he worked for Canada Packers, until joining the army in 1942. He enlisted with Lord Strathcona’s Horse and was sent overseas. His armored tank division fought in Italy, where he was wounded in battle three times, at the Hitler Line, Ortona and finally Rinimi. The last one resulted in the amputation of his leg.
After the war, Dad returned home, and back to Fort Rouge where he met the love of his life, Evelyn McAmmond. They were married October 14, 1947, and few years later they moved out to their lifelong home on Strathmillan Road in Silver Heights where they raised their three children.
Dad’s career with Trans Canada Airlines (Air Canada) took the family from Winnipeg to Montreal, where they made many lasting friendships. He retired in 1977 after 32 years and returned to Winnipeg. After retiring, Dad dedicated much time to The War Amps of Canada serving for a time as president. They were particularly involved with “The Champs” program, helping child amputees throughout the province.
Dad and Mom loved to travel, in the early years they visited Italy and Great Britain. Later, a part of their winters were spend in Barbados, Rockport, Texas and Victoria, British Columbia. Throughout his life, Dad was passionate about the outdoors, and he did not let his handicap hold him back. Over the years many eagerly joined in when Ernie was planning “a trip”. Fishing trips with his close friends Peter and Mike were the most memorable for him, especially the yearly trout fishing trips to Molson Lake. Together they explored the trails, rivers and lakes of Manitoba. He loved spending time in “the bush” and was quite at home there.
Dad and Mom had always wanted a family cottage, and in 1984 they bought a property at McConnell Lake. They loved to spend their summers with friends and family at the lake and watched their grandchildren grow up there. Dad would always want to arrive early in spring and stay as long as possible in the fall, watching the seasons change. On November 20, 2019 Ernest Copper, age 97, passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre.
