CHARLES FREDERICK JAMES HARVEY

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CHARLES FREDERICK JAMES HARVEY January 20, 1917 December 15, 2009 After a brief illness and a long life well lived, Charles F.J. Harvey passed away at age 92 at Deer Lodge Centre on December 15, 2009. Charlie was predeceased by his wife June (1989), his second wife Betty (2008), and his three siblings, Frances (Dodie), Lyall and Hy. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Janie Gardner (Bud), sons Clint (Kate) and Doug (Jan), his seven grandchildren, June and Scott Gardner, Nolan, Britt, and Georgia Harvey, Lauren and Jordan Harvey, by his only surviving sibling Art Harvey of San Diego, California, and by his three sisters-in-law, Shirley of Oceanside, California, Barb of Sechelt, British Columbia and Mary of Winnipeg. Dad was born in Winnipeg on January 20, 1917, at home, on McMillan Avenue, to Ella and Charles Harvey. Dad was proud to call himself a lifelong Winnipegger. He was schooled at Grosvenor, Robert H. Smith, and Kelvin. In his teens he met June Little at Victoria Beach and there began a lifelong love affair with both June and Victoria Beach. They were married in 1944 but their life was put on hold by Dad's service overseas with the RCAF during the Second World War. Dad often told us that the happiest years of his life were the ones he and Mom spent raising their three children and participating with them in the communities of Fort Garry and Victoria Beach. Their 45 year marriage ended with Mom's passing in 1989. Dad was fortunate enough to have another chance at love when he married Betty Benson in 1991. Throughout his two marriages, Dad displayed intense loyalty and commitment to his wives as he cared for both of them through enduring illnesses. The majority of Dad's professional career was spent with Investors Group in both sales and sales management. He was proud of both the company and his own achievements within it. Through business he made many acquaintances and lifelong friends that endure to this day. Throughout his life, Dad was an avid sports enthusiast who participated as a player, a parent, and a volunteer. He had a special affection for the Blue Bombers as a longtime season ticket holder, member of the Board of Directors for nine years, and latterly as an armchair quarterback. Another lifelong pleasure and challenge for Dad was the game of bridge, which he played skillfully right up until the end of his life and through which he maintained many lasting friendships. He believed strongly in being involved in his community because the community had been very good to him and his family. His love and pride of Winnipeg was demonstrated when he commissioned Leo Mol to sculpt a mother polar bear with her cub for the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park. The inscription on the sculpture read Thanks Winnipeg from the Harvey family. He gave generously of his time and wisdom to such organizations as the Fort Garry Community Club, Winnipeg West Rotary Club, Westminister United Church, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the United Way, the Victoria Beach Club, to name a few. He could always be counted on to be in the stands for his kids' sporting activities and it wasn't a coincidence that an exchange of pleasantries with the opposing parents would often ensue! Dad was a unique character who never shied away from speaking his mind, standing up for his principles, and calling a spade a spade. He often displayed these qualities by the use of his quick rapier wit. He was truly king of the one liners. Loyalty, integrity, commitment, honesty, and a strong work ethic were the principles Dad lived his life by. A celebration of Dad's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Westminister United Church at the corner of Maryland St. and Westminister Ave. Flowers are gratefully declined. Dad would be honoured to have a donation made in his memory to one of the following two charities: The Sunshine Fund, email: sunshine fund@mbcamping.ca, address: 302-960 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G0R4. Phone: 784-1130, or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, ON109-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg MB, R3E0V9. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2009