On February 25, a retirement service was held for Colonels Don and Ann Copple at territorial headquarters in Toronto. The meeting opened with a rousing rendition of “I Want to Tell What God Has Done” and a “salute to service” PowerPoint presentation, including photos of Army work, family and candid moments that captured the Copples' life and ministry.
Colonel Don Copple most recently served as Chief Secretary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory and Colonel Ann Copple as the Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministry. Together, they have over 93 years combined service and were the longest-serving active officers in the territory.
Lt-Colonel Margaret Hiscock, Assistant Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries, paid tribute to Colonel Ann Copple, praising her transparency, genuineness and care for others. Joanne Tilley, social services consultant, then remarked on Colonel Don Copple's integrity, insatiable curiosity and sense of humour. 
“The Copples care about social issues,” noted Tilley, “but, more importantly, they care about the people those issues affect. This was not just a job or appointment, this was their mission.”
Certificates of retirement were presented by Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, territorial leaders. “The Copples have served faithfully under the Army flag,” Commissioner William Francis told the capacity crowd. Referencing Hebrews 6:10, Commissioner Francis assured the Copples, “[God] will not forget your work and the love you have shown his people.”
In response, Colonel Ann Copple thanked her headquarters team as well as family and friends who had travelled to headquarters to celebrate the occasion.
“Retirement is like another appointment,” she reflected, “and I approach it with the same apprehension and uncertainty. But I've found over the years that two things have calmed my fears: knowing I'm adopted into the family of God and knowing that, like Christ, my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Colonel Don Copple, echoing his wife's gratitude, referenced The Salvation Army's outreach campaign at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, entitled More Than Gold.
“Although the Games are about being the best and winning, the people of God know there is something that is worth 'more than gold.' The Army must continue to reach the lost. We must continue to be a 'church of the poor.' It's a mission that is difficult, but always attainable.”
In anticipation of retirement, he said, “We don't know what God will require us to do next, but whatever it is we will do it with determination—faithful servants to the end.”
Click here to read an interview with Colonels Don and Ann Copple.
Later, it was my honour and privilege to serve as an officer under the leadership of Don & Ann Copple during their time here in British Columbia. I say honour and privilege because they are the kind of leaders that I aspire to be like but often fall short. Their sense of honour and duty coupled with their passion for the poor and underprivileged and their care and concern for their officers was evident every time you were with them. They were truly inspiring to work with. Whether you were being encouraged and lifted up or if you were sensing that you had really disappointed them, you knew you were loved and cared for. They treated us each as individuals and as a married woman officer I knew that I was appreciated and respected for who I was and felt freedom to grow as an officer and develop my gifts.
I will never forget the lessons I learned from them. I will carry them with me always. I only hope that in some way I can come close to living up to their example as an officer and a leader.
Don & Ann, you will truly be missed, but never forgotton. Your legacy of leadership will live on in our hearts and will continue to inspire us in the months and years to come.
Blessings on you always!
Major Kathie Chiu