Parzival Copes

Who is Parzival Copes?

Parzival Copes, OC is a Canadian economist with a particular interest in regional science and specialization in fisheries economics and management.

Born in Nakusp, British Columbia, he moved with his family to the Netherlands in 1933 and was educated at Vierde Vijfjarige H.B.S. in Amsterdam from 1936 to 1941. In 1942, he became active in 'underground' activities against the German occupation and in 1944 joined a Dutch resistance army unit. Later that year, he was arrested and spent time in prison and a penal labour camp Erika at Ommen. In April 1945, he escaped from a prison convoy and met up with the advancing Canadian Army, where he was employed in uniform as an interpreter.

After spending a year with the British military government in Germany, he returned to Canada, and enrolled at the University of British Columbia, where he also joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps in 1946. In 1949, he obtained a Commission. In the reserves, he served as Intelligence Officer with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa and later as Commanding Officer of 112 Manning Depot in St. John's. He was awarded a Canadian Forces Decoration in 1963.