We are saddened to report that Richard Downing “Dick” Pope Jr. passed away last evening after a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. Son of Cypress Gardens founder Dick Pope, Sr., and wife Julie, Dick Jr. and school friends staged the first Gardens ski show. He was among the first to barefoot water ski and won several water skiing championship titles in the early 1950s.
He assumed the operation of the park from his father and served as its president until 1985. In retirement he was an avid fisherman and hunter.
After Cypress Gardens closed in 2003, he was heavily involved in the efforts to preserve the park and restore its operation. Pope was an accomplished pilot donating his time, airplane and resources to take local leaders to Tallahassee for numerous governmental meetings up until the Governor and Cabinet voted to join with Polk County and Kent Buescher to purchase the historic Florida tourism icon.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Overlook Drive in Winter Haven.
Dick and wife Frances photographed at the
dedication ceremonies for Cypress Gardens Adventure Park (2005).
This man was a true City Father.
Words cannot describe the impact of this gentleman on Winter Haven. He was not only was a leader in the community but a person who we all respected and admired.
Dick will be very fondly remembered and he will be missed. Our sympathies go out to Frances and the children.
One of our most beloved Citizens has joined his Lord and Savior. We will miss him, we will celebrate his life and we will never forget his impact on His City. Our prayers are with the family and friends this night. God Bless you all.
Mr. Dick Pope was at once one of the gentlest of men and one of the friendliest any person could know. Once introduced, he remembered and would first greet you, no matter the crowd. For all of his celebrity background and experience, he never seemed more than the fatherly friend, one known a long, good time. Yes, prayers come to Frances, Julie and Rick, Ann and all his family…truly some of the finest people one could know in Winter Haven.
Mr. Pope had the most genuine way of making everyone feel like their friendship with him was special. I share the sentiments of all the thoughtful remarks of those who have posted. I will always cherish my special friendship with him. God Bless his family during this difficult time.
Mr. Pope was also an alumnus of Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.. I met him twice and he was absolutely illuminating. He seemed to have a great degree of enthusiasium about him that was inspiring. Please accept my sincerest blessing to his family who have just suffered a great loss. Tod Griffith “class of 1978″
Dick Pope,Jr was always was a great person.
Dick – onward & upward.
Dick was my Hero! A wonderful person and when you think about water skiing and water skis, Dick Pope, Jr. immediately comes to mind! My thoughts and blessings are with his family during this difficult time.
I did not know Mr. Pope personally but my father did, he told many stories of him, Dick and I think Mr. Thibideaux, they were instrumental in creating one of the most popular sports ever, I am sorry for the loss of Mr. Pope as I lost my father, Robert Greene, the same year, they were good friends, best wishes to the family.
I was a very close friend of Downing’s all through elem and jr. high school. we played football in his front lawn, fished in all the nearby lakes,worked in the gardens on Saturday and was in the original program on Sunday. We also did shorts for the movies. I moved to Dade City the summer of 1942. Had many wonderful childhood friends that I should have kept closer in touch with. Dr. Mooty was my uncle and my mom taught at Winter Haven Elem. I am preident and founder of American Heritage Schools. Would like to hear from some of my old friends.