HARRY ARCHIBALD MONK

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HARRY ARCHIBALD MONK April 10, 1925 - January 8, 2010 Peacefully on January 8, 2010 at the Grace Hospital, Harry passed away with his daughter Pam and granddaughter Krista at his side. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Jean, son Harry and daughter-in-law Patty, daughter Pam and son-in-law Terry, grandson Todd (Mary) and granddaughter Krista (Nathan). Harry was born at 400 Queen Street in St. James to his mother, Phyllis and father, Harry Monk Sr. He grew up and attended school in St. James graduating from St. James Collegiate in 1943. He attended the University of Manitoba Faculty Of Engineering until enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in April 1944. Following his discharge from the R.C.A.F. in March 1945, Harry moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia to continue his studies in Engineering. Harry married the love of his life, Jean, at the St. James Presbyterian Church on August 24, 1946 and they moved to Vancouver where Harry continued his Engineering program until they returned to St. James in 1947 to permanently reside. Upon returning to St. James, Harry began working with his father, Harry Monk Sr. at the family business, College Electric Ltd. and he obtained his apprenticeship as a Journeyman Electrician. Through Harry's initiative, College Electric Ltd. became a Lennox Dealer and the business expanded its service to include heating and air conditioning. With Harry's commitment to quality work and his business integrity, a strong and successful business relationship with Lennox Industries evolved and continues to thrive today. In 2007, College Electric Ltd. was recognized with a 50 year Dealership award. Harry continued to be fully active in the operation of the business until his illness prevented him from continuing to do so in September 2009. In 1955, Harry and Jean acquired property at Lee River where they together built the family cottage. Harry and Jean loved the time they spent together at the lake over the past 55 years and especially enjoyed the company of family and friends at the cottage. In recent years, Harry much cherished the times when Todd and Krista would bring their friends to the lake. He recently was very pleased to have completed exterior renovations on the cottage and made a trip down to the lake with Jean and grandson Todd in December to see the newly installed siding. Harry was an accomplished pilot, having obtained his pilot's license at the age of 50. He co-owned a Cessna 172 and flew for more than 20 years. He especially enjoyed taking family and friends for flights around Lee River and to various points in Manitoba. Harry was a member of the Winnipeg Flying Club and served on the Board of Directors for a number of years. Harry was an avid curler and became a member of the Deer Lodge Curling Club in the 1950s. He became President of the club in 1957 to 1958. He remained active in the Past President's Association over the years. Harry was a skilled golfer and a member of Assiniboine Golf Club for a number of years. Harry became a Mason in the 1950s and maintained his membership in the Sturgeon Creek Masonic Lodge. Harry was a big fan of the Montreal Canadians and he and Jean were season ticket holders for the Blue Bombers for many years. In 1997, Harry and Jean purchased a retirement property in Yuma, Arizona and they travelled there each winter. During the winters spent there, they made many friends whom they cherished. In August 2006, Harry and Jean renewed their wedding vows at a celebration of their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Harry's love for Jean was outstanding and her well-being was the focus of his life. Together they made an amazing couple. Harry was an incredible Dad who loved, encouraged and supported his children. As a grandfather, he likewise demonstrated unconditional love for his two grandchildren. As a father and grandfather he was a great role model, leading by example in instilling life's most important lessons. Harry had a love of all animals and an appreciation for nature that he successfully passed on to his children and grandchildren. Harry's Grade 11 yearbook reflected that his happy and infectious smile keeps everyone around him happy . This was sustained throughout his lifetime. Harry had a warm and engaging personality and was at ease in his interactions with people from all walks of life. Harry enjoyed reading, loved to travel, and had an interest in a variety of subjects. He was an avid learner with a real passion for emerging technology as shown by his love of text messaging with his grandchildren on his Blackberry. Harry was diagnosed with cancer in August 2009. He fought courageously and with a positive spirit. He will be truly missed. We would like to thank our family and friends for their support and especially, Gina and Bob and Bev and Barry for the additional assistance they provided. We would also like to thank Dr. Lu, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Harris, the Grace Hospital Emergency and CancerCare nurses and the staff of 4 South for their care during Harry's battle. Special thanks are extended to Harry's nurse Meghan for her compassion and caring extended to Harry and his family. A memorial service is planned for January 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. Flowers are gratefully declined. If family and friends wish to do so, donations can be made to a charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2010