HARTLEY BURNETT WILSON

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HARTLEY BURNETT WILSON Peacefully, with his family by his side, Hartley Burnett, aged 78, passed away in the early hours of December 21, 2005 at the Neepawa General Hospital. Hartley was born at the family farm near Deloraine on February 9, 1927, a son to Thomas and Nellie Wilson. He arrived three hours later than his twin sister Gwendolyn. Hartley attended the local school at Bidford and went on to take his high school years at Teulon and Steinbach. In 1949, he graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Diploma in Agriculture. At university, he met Margaret McMillan from Souris whom he married on March 31, 1951. Hartley and Margaret moved back to Deloraine where they farmed until 1952. It was after that time that they moved to Oakville and farmed until 1968. In 1968, Hartley joined the Winnipeg Region of Federated Cooperatives, working in the Crop Supplies Department, as Livestock Equipment Specialist of the Feed Department and in 1974 became the Feed Plant Manager until its closure. It was after this time that Hartley sold farm equipment for Blights Portage. In 1978, he moved to the Federated Cooperatives' Head Office in Saskatoon where he became Farm Equipment Product Manager of the Crop Supplies Department. In 1981, Hartley and Margaret moved back to Manitoba where he became Agro-Manager at Neepawa-Gladstone Coop until ill health forced him to retire. Upon his recovery, he was employed by Neepawa and Area Planning District as Secretary/Treasurer Development Officer until his retirement in 1996. All throughout his life, Hartley was strongly devoted to his family, his church and the community in which he lived. The family has many special memories of Hartley, whether husband, father, grandfather or great-grandfather - too numerous to mention. Hartley's church commitments included Chairman of the Board, singing bass in the choir, serving on many committees and recently, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The choir was always considered his second family . Hartley was a member of many community organizations including the School Board, the Oakville Community Club and Neepawa Rotary Club to mention only three of them. He had a strong work ethic which he instilled in his four daughters. He donated his farm land for the skating rink in Oakville, worked at the Portage Fair, delivered Meals on Wheels, helped at Rotary Auctions - the list is endless. Hartley was a very loving and generous man. He will always be remembered for his warmth and good sense of humour. Hartley's cheerful, friendly presence will be missed by all who knew him. Hartley was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Nellie, and by his sister Muriel. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Margaret; four daughters, Cathy and Doug Vanstone (Darryl and Tracy, Hartley and Emily), Colleen and Bill Jury (Curtis and Kyoko, Casey and Heather, Charlie), Christine and Harvey Davidson (Maggie, Sam), Cherry Ann and Doug Chandler, as well as his great-grandchildren. His passing is also mourned by his brother Arthur (Helen) and his twin Gwen Parker; brothers-in-law Jack, Bill and Bob (Elaine) McMillan and their families. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 24, 2005 in Neepawa United Church with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Urn bearers were Hartley Vanstone and Casey Jury. The seven grandchildren presented roses to honour their Grampa. Special music was provided by June Thompson, David Wilson and the Neepawa United Church Choir. In celebration of Hartley's life, join us for a memorial service at the interment to be held at the Oakville cemetery, May 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Oakville Community Hall. WHITE'S FUNERAL HOME, Neepawa, MB in charge of arrangements. 476-2848.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2006