Born January 30, 1936, Harry Street died on July 13, 2023, predeceased by his brother David (Estelle Guertin Gervais Street) and special brother Peter.
Before age 20, Harry owned and operated the Oakville Trafalgar Window Cleaning Business while playing goalie for the Lakeshore Merchants. He became a Salvation Army Officer in 1959, as did his first wife Carol Buckley, mother of their two sons, Benjamin Charles Barby (Beth Curley) and Peter Norman Barby (Cindy Grant.) Harry completed his undergraduate degrees at McMaster as a mature student, and a Masters in Social Work (McGill) in 1980. He worked as a counsellor in mental health and rehabilitation; as a manager in youth corrections for Boys’ Farm and Training School (Shawbridge), White Oaks Village (Hagersville), and Oakville Syl Apps Centre (Oakville); and as a board member for the Hamilton John Howard and Sudbury Youth Services. After completing contracts as Field Coordinator of Placements (School of Social Work Laurentian University), he became a full-time faculty spouse and landlord in Victoria.
Harry lived a life full of work and learning; adventures and illnesses; caring for others and exploring. He especially enjoyed sharing meals, music, games, sports, and long conversations in homes he renovated in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. He kept his vehicles in good repair for work and road trips throughout North America. Harry loved to take things apart and see how they worked: he was a persistent audiophile.
Harry will be deeply missed by his wife Marjory Reitsma-Street. He will be fondly remembered by friends and family for his listening presence and wise questions, and for his stories, laughter, and choice words.
Thank you for the steadfastness of Dr. Shaun Humphreys, David, Brigitte, and Stephanie in the past years, and the calm end of life care of the Victoria Hospice Staff.
The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria. Private interment in Victoria , British Columbia, and Oakville, Ontario.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
Uncle Harry always made me laugh and encouraged me to be brave in the world. I’m so sad that he has passed and send my deepest condolences to Aunt Marj, Ben and Peter.
Marge, I am so sorry to read about your loss of Harry. I was just reading correspondence you sent me a few years ago, and an article you wrote. I know he will be sorely missed by yourself and others. My condolences to all.
You once wrote “ Thankfully you and I are both determined….” Re experiences of mine.
Take good care of you ( although it will be difficult). You have people who care about you as well.
Harry was a delightful curmudgeon! I remember our interactions with great fondness, and I’m delighted that I’ve had the opportunity to be part of your lives so I could get to know Harry a bit. My deepest condolences to you, Marjory. Sending love, Light, and hugs.
My husband Alan and I became good friends of Marjory and Harry about 10 years ago when they moved into our condo building. We delighted in celebrating many holidays together. On a special birthday for Marjory, Harry asked me to help him find the perfect restaurant for their dinner. We looked at several places that had warm and inviting ambiances. Harry, being attentive to detail, carefully checked menus, wine lists, noise levels, and seating arrangements. I was amazed at the care Harry took in his desire to create a memorable evening for Marjory. Harry was a man capable of great love and devotion. He was an inspiration to both Alan and me, and we will miss him.
We were very fortunate to have Harry as Coordinator of our unit at Shawbridge (1976-8?). He was a most ‘un-bossy’ boss (as everyone who knew him would expect) but he brought a level of professionalism to the unit that certainly elevated the competence of us counsellors.
He took his role very seriously and was generous with his time, both to us staff and to the dozen boys in our unit. Harry was a ‘student’ of treatment methods and was diligent in having us explain the rationale behind our treatment plans, behaviour management methods, etc. But he had a gentle, encouraging way of probing us which was just what we relatively inexperienced “20-somethings” needed and benefited from.
I won’t go on… none of this will surprise anyone who knew him.
Mary and I are forever grateful for what we learned from both Harry and Marj.
Our condolences to everyone who knew & loved him.
Marj, I was saddened to read of Harry’s passing. It’s been a lot of years but I remember you both fondly. Harry was a lovely man and I know he will be missed by many, you most of all. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Be sure to take care of yourself.
My Guiding Hands: Remembering Harry
When I arrived at UVic, Marge and Harry, a duo kind, took my hand.
Marjorie guided me with grace through the UVic halls and the uncertainties that a new professor faces. She became more than my Academic Women’s Caucus buddy, she stood with me, and Harry joined the ride. He embraced me and assured me I belonged from the very start.
Learning to drive, their house was my first destination, Harry, awaiting me with a welcoming big smile. He laughed at my clumsy parking. Through serious conversations on social justice issues, family matters and laughter and the one-bowl policy, our bond grew strong. Harry was a wise man. A man of depth and tremendous compassion. He had a deep and genuine understanding of social justice issues. Beneath his serious visage, there was a tender and caring soul. For Marjorie, his love knew no boundary. He was unconditionally devoted to her.
Now, he walks a different path. Yet I’m certain he watches a guardian light. In spirit and memory, he’ll forever stay. My walking hands, Harry, I cherish you each day.
Dear Marjory, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear husband Harry. I am so deeply sorry that he has passed and know that he will be much missed. He made this world a better place and will remain in the hearts of all those who had the good fortune to know him. And you, Marjory, are in my heart, and my thoughts are with you.