ETHEL DOREEN HARRISON

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ETHEL DOREEN HARRISON February 13, 1932 - December 2, 2009 Following a lengthy illness, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ethel, at Grace Hospital on December 2, 2009 at the age of 77. Ethel will be sadly missed by her brother, Wesley (Mary), niece, Judith (Garth), Tyler, Amory, and Harrison of Winnipeg, nephew Larry (Kristi), James, Brooke and Scott Harrison of Toronto, and nephew, Ted (Susan) Harrison of Christine Lake, British Columbia. Ethel's lifelong friends, neighbours and a large number of former cubs and scouts that belonged to 17th Group at St. Matthews Church will also miss their friend and leader. She is predeceased by her father, Alfred, and mother, Daisy, sister, Olive and brother, Lloyd. Ethel was born in Winnipeg on February 13, 1932, some four months after the death of her father. She grew up with a great love of life. She was athletic, skating and playing basketball, and a musician - singing in the church choir. She loved spending time with her many friends, often attending football games of her beloved Blue Bombers. She graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and worked as the secretary for St. Matthews Church, and then for Canadian Liquid Air where she spent some 35 years before retiring in 2001. At the age of 20, Ethel contacted Polio and spent some time in an iron lung and as a result left her requiring a leg brace for life. However, this did not slow her down, as she spent over 55 years as a volunteer leader with the Scouting organization. She was the leader known fondly as Akaila or Skip, of the 17th Scout and Cub group at St. Matthews Church. Throughout the years Ethel earned many awards for outstanding service in Scouts Canada. In 1972, Ethel was honoured with the City of Winnipeg Community Service Award by Mayor Steven Juba, in 2002, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal , The Silver Acorn Award in 2001 and the Commemorative Centennial Medal, (2007). Most recently, Ethel was awarded the 55 Year Medal of Service to Scouting (2009). Ethel attended World Scouting Jamborees in Europe, Australia/New Zealand and in Canada. However, her greatest joy was to watch her boys as Cubs and Scouts, progress through various levels of scouting, to become leaders and successful adults, as well as lifelong friends. Ethel's dedication to guiding the youth of today into leaders of tomorrow was outstanding. Ethel was dedicated to her family and enjoyed the company of her brother and his family. She was the favourite Auntie Ethel to nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews. Family dinners were held often with Ethel enthusiastically attending, always wanting to be kept abreast of the family news. Ethel's desire was to be cremated and interred alongside her other family members in Petersfield, Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at Thomson Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Her family wishes to thank all of the Grace Hospital staff, including doctors and nursing staff on the wards 3S, 3N and 4N for the excellent care given during her time there. A special thanks to her immediate neighbours, Alma, Barbara and Irene and many, many other friends who have watched over her during her lifetime. In lieu of flowers and if so desired, a contribution in Ethel's memory to CancerCare, Scouts Canada or the charity of choice will be appreciated. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0X4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2009