Tuesday, May 19, 2015
When learning of our grandfathers passing, we (Derek, Breanne and Danielle) came together to express our memories. Due to unfortunate weather circumstances, we are not able to attend this service in person, and have asked that this letter be read on our behalf.
I fondly remember Harry being a giving individual. While spending summers in my youth with him, I was able to be part of his daily "route" which consisted of meeting with his friends where he provided "services". He cut hair, took friends out for coffee, did yard work and other maintenance, and always had time for a game of cribbage. I remember his determination to help his friends everyday, and his positive attitude shone through. If he ever had a bad day, he didn't show it, instead he moved forward with the steadfast determination that a life of hard work and service can bring. I aspire to gain the wisdom and resolve that I saw in him….which I can only relate to "true grit."
He liked to golf, although there were times I felt he enjoyed finding the lost balls in the bush better than the game itself. While hunting for balls, he also was able to locate berries, usually Saskatoons; and to this day I'll never be able to figure out how he could find so many that were edible. I guess when you like pie as much as he did, you find the ingredients wherever you can.
My name is Breanne and I am one of Harry's granddaughters. I write this today for my grandpa; a man I loved, respected and adored. Spending time in the summer with my grandparents was always a highlight for me. Regardless of what my grandpa had to do that day he always had time to spend with us. Whether he was taking us to the park, playing a game of cards or picking berries; time spent with him was always special. I will always remember our long talks about the war, his life and all his many stories. I feel incredibly blessed that I had him in my life for this long. That he was able to watch me graduate, dance with me at my wedding and to meet his great grandson Madsen. I will always remember him for his go get em attitude and his lust for life. I want to thank you for having such a profound influence on my life and for loving us as much as you did. I'm sure going to miss you Pops.
"Sorrow comes in great waves...but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us it passes and we remain." - Henry James
I Danielle will always remember our family vacations to Brandon during our summer break from school. After a long and tiring journey from Edmonton crammed into an Oldsmobile we would arrive at Grandma and Grandpas house and no matter what Grandpa would always get out his deck of cards and we would play cards. Then grandma would put on the record player and the kids would all do the chicken dance. I loved spending the summer with grams and gramps and I am blessed to have had those special times.
Our grandpa will be sorely missed. I can still hear his signature laugh now, sort of a half chuckle, half bellow which always left us smiling. We love him in passing as we did in life, and his memory will always be with us.
