Born on September 18, 1923 in Belleville, Ontario,
passed away after a courageous battle with cancer
in Parksville, BC, February 2, 2009.
Harold was a man of honour, integrity and humour, who led a life well lived. He left school at the age of 16 to enlist in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (Hasty-P’s) and was part of Operation Husky that saw action in Sicily and mainland Italy during the Second World War.
After returning from overseas, he finished his schooling and became a member of the RCMP stationed in Fort Smith and Spence Bay, NWT, before serving as a dog master in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia until his retirement from the force in 1967. He was part of a contingent of retired RCMP officers who helped train members of the Tanzanian police force in Africa in the early 1970’s.
Dad went on to become a provincial court magistrate working in Russell and Killarney, Manitoba until his full retirement in 1984. During his retirement, he transcribed the Hasty-P’s regimental diary into a 630 page book that he presented to the Hastings and Prince Edward’s Regimental Headquarters in Belleville, Ontario.
Dad was a man of simple pleasures. He was content spending his days working in the garden, reading a good book, doing a crossword puzzle, playing cards, fishing, his annual drive through Ontario to see the fall leaves in full colour, and keeping in touch with friends from coast to coast. His sense of humour was always present especially in letters and poetic verse written to family and friends.
To his children, he instilled a strong work ethic, a love of the outdoors, the importance of helping out someone in need, the importance of family, the love of good books and the love of the music Ella, Frank and Oscar.
Above all else, his family was Dad’s biggest pride and joy. He was happiest when we were all together playing cards, talking, sharing a meal and laughing.
Harold was predeceased by his parents (Gordon and Maude), his brother Merv, and his wife of 47 years, Marg.
He will forever remain in the hearts of his wife June, his children Kris (Murray), Gordon (Jan), Joe (Kim) and Laura (Harry), his sisters Olie (Bob) and Doreen and his brother Ted (Bev), his sister-in-law Millie, his grandchildren Sean (Ingrid) Michael, Casey, Jill, Kelly and Brady, his nieces and nephews, his great-grandaughter Melena and his many good friends.