HAROLD HERZOG

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HAROLD HERZOG We are very sad to announce that Harold Gilbert Herzog passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 13, 2008. His loving wife of 61 years, Mary Herzog, was at his side. Harold was born in Whitemouth, Manitoba on May 5, 1920. He was the eldest son of Robert and Martha (nee Hartman) Herzog. Harold was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters Frieda Koslowski, Violet Brinkman, Alma Dallman, Ester Batke and Mildred Hiebert. Harold is survived by his brother Stanley, and his sisters Evelyne Noel and Mary Herzog. Harold will be especially missed by his immediate family: his wife Mary; and children Leona Herzog, Rosalie Schmidt (Larry), Christel Harrison (Robert) of Montana, Patsy Herzog (Dan MacNeil), Grace Ballard (Neil) and James Herzog of Vancouver. Grandchildren Alexandra Herzog; Tegan and Ansel Schmidt; Hanna Harrison; Colin and Evan MacNeil; Melissa, Meaghan and Samantha Ballard will miss his sense of humour and fun. Harold's life started on the family farm at Whitemouth, where he learned many skills that served him well when he developed his own business in future years. Harold married Mary Schmidt on September 27, 1947, and they were deeply in love for their entire marriage. Harold farmed with Mary until 1955 when they moved to Winnipeg with their two eldest daughters, Loli and Rosalie. Christel arrived soon after. He worked at Eaton's for a short period of time and then as a certified boiler maker. His real love, however, was the business that he created: Herzog Landscaping. Dad was a gifted individual with a vision for creating beautiful environments from earth, sod and stone. His talents included a natural ability to create mechanical devices that would challenge any engineer. Two more daughters, Patsy and Grace, continued to bring joy into Mary and Harold's life. A much loved son, James, the baby of the family followed in his father's footsteps with an innate talent for vehicle mechanics. Dad loved music and encouraged all of his children to take up a musical instrument of their choice. A deeply spiritual man, nothing gave him more pleasure than listening to hymns played by his children, and later, his grandchildren. Because he was unable to fullfill his own desire for an advanced education he was passionate and supportive of his children's educational accomplishments in the fields of medicine, business, technology, social services and fine art. Harold was socially active and enjoyed the companionship of all of the friends he made through his work. He continued to go to the yard well into his 80s. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Riverview Health Centre where dad spent his last few days. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Viewing time will be held at 9:00 a.m. with the service to follow. For a great many years Harold was a strong supporter of The Leprosy Mission of Canada. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations are made to this charity in his name at: 1000 Mural Street, Suite 100, Richmond Hill, Ont. L4B 1J3: or www.leprosy.ca. Chapel Lawn 885 - 9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2008