July 11, 1918 – June 10, 2013
Harry was born to William and Eleanor in London, England, the youngest boy of six children (William, Eleanor, Flora, Norma, Edith). Predeceased by spouse, Gladys (1998). Survived by daughter, Christine (Fred), sister Norma, and a large adored extended family in B.C., England, Australia and New Zealand. Harry passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a heart attack in the early morning of June 10. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Harry joined the British army in 1939, marrying Glad, the love of his life in 1940. All too quickly he was posted to India during WW II where he served for four and a half years. He was discharged from the army as “exemplary” in 1946.
The family moved to Victoria, B.C. in 1951 to join his two sisters, Eleanor and Flora. He mainly worked in cost accounting positions for construction firms such as Luney Brothers and Hamilton, for the BC government (Fernie), and for hotels, retiring from the Old England Inn (Victoria) in 1975. In his spare time, he and Glad designed and built five houses on Vancouver Island.
For the past 14 years he lived independently in a James Bay condo, becoming a well-loved resident. He served on the Strata Council and was known for his cheerful greetings and interest in the welfare of his neighbours and friends. A passionate Arsenal soccer fan, he also enjoyed watching cricket with his Beacon Hill cronies. He was an avid cyclist from age 3 to 92, and raced with the Priory R. Wheelers cycle club. He bought his first computer at 80, booking his own travel arrangements on-line.
Harry’s personality was marked by an enthusiasm and zest for life that were hallmarks throughout his 94-plus years. He was a lovely man, a joy to know and to be around.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held 3:00, July 11, 2013 at McCall Brothers, 1400 Vancouver St., Victoria. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Canadian Institute for the Blind or the Victoria Symphony would be appreciated. A special thank you to Dr. Nadra and the CCU staff at Royal Jubilee hospital for exceptional care afforded Harry. Condolences may be offered below.
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Steve Clifford
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Joyce & Gordon Kilford We enjoyed many a happy time going to the theatre with Harry, he would clap with great enthusiasm, we will miss our cups of tea and laughter, you have left us with many happy memories.
Joyce and Gordon Kilford.
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Joyce & Gordon Kilford We loved going to the theatre with Harry, he would clap with great enthusiasm, we will miss our cups of tea and laughter, you left us with many happy memories Harry.
Joyce and Gordon Kilford
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maureen applewhaite Harry helped us to build our sailboat in the 1970’s. He was wonderful to work with, always cheerful and helpful. Later we reconnected in Cobble Hill and then much later, in James Bay.
It was great to see Harry speeding around James Bay on his scooter with his big smile.
A joy to have had some of Harry in our lives.
Maureen and Robin Applewhaite
Sadly I only learned yesterday of Harry’s passing. I spent many sunny afternoon’s watching cricket with Harry and I always looked forward to our conversations. We swapped many stories and shared an interest in his old stomping grounds in North London. Harry’s positive attitude and zest for life is something I’ll never forget. He played a fine innings indeed. Rest in Peace Harry.