Harry (Henry) William Gladwell

Gladwell, Harry (Henry) William, born in Regina, September 17, 1911 to Mary (MacRae) and Charles Victor Gladwell , died peacefully in his sleep , on September 08, 2010 in his 99th year. Predeceased by his brother Allan, son Derek and his wife Caroline Gladwell (Lomax). Survived by brother Charles (Bud) Victor Gladwell, and children, Kirsty, Tibby (Doug) Solloway, Mary (Paul)Gurr, Bill, Allison, and grandchildren, Ryan Gurr, Carly Gurr, Thomas Gladwell and John Gladwell. Born the eldest of 3 boys, he saw a life of transformations. As a young lad fetching milk in pails balanced on the handlebars of his bike, lake ice delivered to the house for refrigeration, to microwaves, digital photography and the iPhone ; Harry was always interested in the latest and the greatest. A natural athlete, he excelled at many sports, in particular, rowing. He rowed the 8’s to completions in both Canada and the United States, gold metaling at the national level. Harry attended the University of Minneapolis, where he studied Architecture. During the depression, he worked for his father performing rural audits and when the Ford Motor Company expanded into Canada, he was awarded the dealership in Victoria, Gladwell Motors. He embraced Victoria and all it had to offer: sailing, skiing, fishing, and hunting birds. A successful businessman with an active social life, he became the Commodore of the RVYC, was a member of the Victoria Golf Club, a member of the Union Club, honourary life member of the Victoria Fish and Game club, supporter of Ducks Unlimited and active volunteer of the United Way. Harry’s passions in life included his wife Caroline, who died December 2007, and his children. He defined his life by the seasons. Fall brought bird hunting and a yearly trek to Alberta with friends, his son Bill, and his dog (one of many Labrador retrievers). On these trips, digging goose pits and setting duck blinds would be the order of the day. Winter brought skiing and trips toHawaii where Harry kept a surf board at the beach for approximately 40 years, and surfed into his 80’s. Spring/Summer saw him racing sailboats in the annual Swiftsure race and cruising local coastal waters. Summer was for enjoying time at his cottage in Genoa Bay, where he would entertain boating friends with corn roasts and pancake eating competitions. Summer also brought annual trips to River’s Inlet, where he and his friends caught fish ranging in weight up to 60 lbs. He was an active environmentalist, helping to preserve Princess Louisa Inlet for future generations. When “in port” he waged a fierce battle against the dandelions in the garden at Rockland. He enjoyed a busy, active life of wonderful activities, punctuated with a busy calendar of social events. He was a loving husband, great father, grandfather a good friend and brother. He was uncomplaining, uncompromising, generous, always courteous. A gentleman through and through. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A private family funeral will be held. A public celebration of Harry’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s name can be made to the Princess Louisa International Society. Box 33918 Station “D”, Vancouver, BC V6J 4L7. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.