South Whidbey High School boys’ basketball coach Henry Pope watches as Wolf Wiley Hesselgrave shoots in a game this season. (Shelli Trumbull photo)
All of Whidbey Island grieves the loss of one of its basketball leaders, as news filters out that South Whidbey High School boys’ basketball coach Henry Pope passed away early Thursday morning.
Pope, who always carried himself as a class act on the court and off, coached the Falcons girls for years before jumping over to take the reigns of the boy hoopsters. He also coached youth football teams.
Fellow coaches, players and local fans were stunned by the sudden, tragic loss, but paid tribute to Pope as a quiet leader and a much-loved and respected member of the hoops community.
Coupeville’s coaches viewed Pope as more than just a strong rival.
“Henry and I were friends on and off the court,” Anthony Smith said. “He became a mentor to me about basketball and life. I really admired him as a man and a coach.
“My deepest prayers go to his family.”
That was a sentiment echoed by Wolf assistant coach Dustin VanVelkinburgh.
“A true competitor. One of those guys that during the game would do anything to win and afterward hit you with a genuine smile and handshake,” he said. “I enjoyed coaching and competing against him and his squads. Today my heart goes out to Falcon Nation!”
Pope affected area players, as well, and not just the ones on his own team.
As a senior captain for the CHS boys’ hoop squad, Drew Chan came into frequent contact with Pope during games between the Island rivals. The pair were also friends off the court.
“Henry Pope was a great man who will be missed dearly,” Chan said. “He was truly a great man/ person/ friend. I will always consider him a friend. I wish his family the best!”
CHS junior Monica Vidoni often plays at open gyms on the South End, and came into contact with the Falcon coach often.
“This put me in tears,” Vidoni said. “My dad and I knew him so well. I remember always meeting him on the ferry and having long talks about basketball with my dad and I.
“This is so upsetting. My dad and I are in shock.”
His sense of style and rock-solid commitment to his players and the school and town he represented was also acknowledged by Wolf fans, who may have rooted against him winning, but never against the personable Pope himself.
“I just remember him at the games and being very outgoing and active on the sidelines!,” said long-time fan Heidi Monroe.
Pope is survived by his wife Teresa and their three children, Taylor, Samantha and Lewis.
Coupeville Sports 
He will truly be missed by all the people he worked with at Boeing. He touched all our lives with such great spirit. The world has lost a wonderful person. All my prayers to his family.
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for The Pope Family and communities loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Love & Light
Rob and I worked with Henry at Boeing in the 90’s. His great sense of humor, wit, charm, and depth of spirit will never be forgotten. Henry is one of those individuals that leaves a positive impact wherever he goes, and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Henry’s family.
A dedicated husband, father, coach, peer….and friend. So darned funny and so darned serious! Henry touched lives in a very powerful and positive way. I am grateful to have had him touch mine. Thoughts and prayers of love and strength go out to the Pope family.
I loved having Henry around at work. He always brought a lightness to the work place and will be greatly missed. Gone way too soon.
As I always said to him, “Henry, you Da Man.” Sink a few 3-pointers, Dude.
Henry was an incredible man who taught me so much in such a short time at Boeing. He was one of those guys that really makes working fun and interesting. When I heard the news I was completely speechless and thought it was obviously some sort of mistake. I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with Henry, even though it was far, far too short.
Henry will be sorely missed at Boeing. He was a great person that smilled easily and laughed often. It saddens me that he passed too soon. I will miss his presence and joking around with him. The world is a bit darker place without Henry in it.
I would like to echo the sentiments expressed by those who commented before me. I met him this summer coaching hoops and he was such a welcoming figure and so genuinely kind with a great sense of humor. This was evident at Western Washington University team camp when he ran on the court during a dunk contest to aid and carry his 5’0″ player off the court, who got “hurt” and couldn’t complete the free-throw line dunk…haha.