April 24, 1921 – September 22, 2013
After a rich and full life, this gentleman and gentle man bid us adieu on September 22nd. Predeceased by wife Isabelle in 2000, Harry is survived by daughter Ina Anderson (Brock), and grandchildren Mark (Deidra), Lindsay and Katherine, and daughter Jamie Disbrow (David Downman) and grandson Ian. Also sister Ina, sister-in-law Judy and all loved ones in the Drummond-Hay and Brown/Lowe families.
After his childhood in Regina, he spent his formative years in Vancouver. A veteran of WWII who trained across Canada and was stationed in Alaska, Harry studied post-war at UBC and taught at Junior High Schools in Abbotsford, Vernon and in Victoria at Gordon Head and Cedar Hill. He was a proud Oak Bay Kiwanian, took up Tai Chi and French Discussion at Goward House, was active at Shannon Oaks, and was an avid painter with his Broadmead muses.
Harry loved languages, music and playing his flute, skiing, cycling, his daily walks, and putting brush to canvas. He would have wanted everyone to pursue uplifting activities of their own choosing, and to appreciate humanity and the beauty of this world. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed and connected with people in a special way. He understood the importance of good coffee, wine, chocolate, conversation and laughter ~ à la prochaine~.
As family, we acknowledge all Dad’s great friends, especially Gordon and Mona Mason who brought Mom and Dad together, and loving and gracious Reta Der and her family in recent years. We thank Dr. Layne Woodburn for all he has done. To the many caring people at the Lodge at Broadmead, we cannot put words to our gratitude.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 19th at 1:30 pm at the UVIC INTERFAITH CHAPEL followed by a reception at the University Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Broadmead Care Society would be gratefully received on Harry’s behalf.
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Heather Soares(Sallaway)
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Laurie Frederick I am so sorry that I missed Harry’s memorial, a chance to pay my respects and a chance to see you all again. Harry and Isabelle were part of so many happy memories over my life, whether through the Coffee Klatch family get-togethers or just hearing stories which included them, related by my parents Joan & Gene. They were part of a group that brought a lot of happiness to my family and Harry’s warm and gentle presence was always appreciated. I think Harry and Isabelle raised a really nice family and contributed to my own upbringing as well, as part of the “Klatch” group. I’ll always remember Harry with a friendly smile for me and I’m very glad he was part of my life.
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Terry Stofer Harry introduced me to my first ‘other language’ as my grade eight French teacher. His enthusiasm and joy as he taught ignited an interest in languages in me, for which I am grateful as it has enriched my life immensely. Occasionally Harry and I walked together after school enroute to our two homes and I enjoyed a special friendship with him which developed into a friendship between our two families. I wonder if Harry ever realized that he often ‘rescued’ me from the taunts of bullies when he accompanied me on those walks home. Truly his obituary says it well – farewell to a gentle man and a gentleman.
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Anne Mason Hall Harry Disbrow was my Uncle Harry. He and Isabelle were my parents close friend’s and part of the wider group of that we all called the “Coffee Klatch”. There were so many fun-filled times growing up with this group and Harry was a big part of that. Always smiling and joking he was a gentle, funny and intelligent presence in my life.
When I was little, I called them Uncle Harrily and Aunty Bell. I have many memories of their kind hospitality when we would visit their house. Their daughters Ina and Jamie were also large in our family’s life. Ina is my sister Debbie’s long-time close friend and Jamie was the first babysitter for Karen and I. (I’m afraid we terrorized her!). More recently, it is the grandchildren that have continued the bonds of friendship.
When I was married, I was honoured to have him give the speech to the bride. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. In later years, Harry and Mum and Dad continued to enjoy their time together playing golf and going for coffee and breakfast. As a daughter living so far away for so long, it was comforting to know that my parents had such a wonderful friend in Harry.
As a result of these connections, our families have remained close for approximately sixty-five years. Amazing! I will always remember the special place Harry Disbrow has had in my life and how lucky we have all been to experience his charming grace and humour.
My sincerest of condolences to all the family. I am thinking of you on this day that is sad yet filled with happy memories of Uncle Harry, may he rest in peace.
All my love, Anne
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Bill Hoyt To Ina, Jamie and family
Unfortunately I will be away this weekend and unable to attend Saturday’s memorial service. I must tell you that although our paths parted as colleagues in 1976 I had wonderful memories of your dad and of our time together. I always had great respect for him as a colleague and a gentleman. We always enjoyed a good laugh together and I so enjoyed those few opportunities we had to meet in the years going forward. I will remember him with great fondness and I send my sincere condolences.Bill Hoyt (Cedar Hill Jr Secondary School)
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Sandra (Marshall) Turner Hello Ina and Jamie. I knew your family when you lived in Vernon and Ina and I attended school together. I remember both your parents with fondness for their kind and gentle ways. Your Mom would drive Ina and I home for lunch and back again. Your father was a quiet and dignified gentleman. I offer you my condolences on your loss.
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Judy Dallin Now in my sixties I have never forgotten my amazing Gr.10 French teacher at Gordon Head Jr. in 1964. Having moved from Alberta I was a year behind in French, but Mr. Disbrow encouraged and inspired me to try to complete two years in one. Devoting his own private time, he managed to pull me through both Fr. 9 and 10 that year – and helped keep me on an academic track that allowed me to become a teacher myself. I only hope some of my students remember me with the same admiration I’ve carried all these years for Mr. Disbrow. My deep sympathies to the family of this outstanding educator, and truly special man.
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jean preece The Preece Family has wonderful memories of Harry and Isabelle as their across the fence neighbours for several years. Wonderful people who helped a young Mum with three energetic kids. Isabelle left us early and is missed, now Harry joins her and the world is a poorer place without him. All Preece’s send their condolences to the family .
Mr, Disbrow was my french teacher at Cedar Hill junior high school. The best french teacher ever, taught parisian french.
Beautiful soul!
My condolences for his family,bless you all.
Heather-former student