John Cope named Claresholm’s 2023 citizen of the year

By Rob Vogt
John Cope is the 2023 Claresholm citizen of the year.
He was honoured with the award at the Volunteer Appreciation event at the Claresholm Community Centre on April 16 hosted by Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services.
Kozo Chisanga, last year’s junior citizen of the year, presented the award.
He moved to Claresholm in 1979 with his family to manage a local business.
“Since then, his impact on our community has been felt by many,” Chisanga said.
From 1979 to 2001, he was an active manager at this business, and was always happy to assist with local projects as he was able to. He was also very active with local 4-H groups during this time.
He joined the Claresholm Lions Club soon after moving to Claresholm and has served the group since then in many capacities.
He has filled almost every role possible within the club, including president.
He was honoured as Lion of the Year in 2014, and was recognized by the International President of Lions in 2017.
He is still an active Lions member, supporting every event, activity, meeting, casino, organizing, cooking and anything else.
“He gives the club his all,” Chisanga said.
She noted this year’s citizen of the year loves sports as much as he loves his community.
He played, coached and umpired ball for many years. He was involved in men’s slowpitch, women’s slowpitch, and co-ed ball as well as helping youth ball teams. He is a cheerleader and can be seen at the ball diamonds on a regular basis.
Chisanga said before his new knees, he was very involved in curling as well, as an active executive member and president of the curling club.
He also loved golf, active in men’s league, helping where he could and supporting the club in any way he could.
“You could also catch him down at the hockey rink supporting minor hockey,” Chisanga said. “Even when his grandson was done playing, he still went down and watched, cheered and supported. He loves sports. He is everyone’s fan.
“If anyone needs help, he is there to assist,” Chisanga continued.
“We are indeed fortunate to have a person such as him in our community.”
She then presented the Citizen of the Year to John Cope.
“It’s a very big honour,” he said after accepting the award.
He stressed nothing would be possible without the support of his wife, family, and the members of the Lions.
“I’ll cherish this for a long time,” Cope said.