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DONALD ERIC HARRISON Peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by love, Eric passed away on April 22, 2015, at the age of 71. Eric is survived by his mother Betty, sister Dianne Helm, wife Jessie, daughter Rene (Kirsty Grosart), sons Derek and Tobin (Kathy), and grandchildren, Sarah and Brian. Eric was predeceased by his father Don, brother Chris, and infant sister Susan. Eric was born in Sarnia, and grew up in Plainfield, ON. A snippet of the tales he shared with us about growing up include: summers spent at the Sandbanks with his family; summer farm work as a young teen pitching peas, then biking home for miles in the dark. At age 16, Eric left for Montreal to join the Canadian Armed Forces in the soldier apprentice two year training plan. Here he received recognition for his leadership and boxing skills. This was the start of a long and distinguished career that saw us posted from CFB Wainwright, AB, Shilo and Winnipeg, to McGivney, NS, and overseas for four wonderful years in Germany. Eric retired in Dundern, SK, with the rank of Major, and remained there to work as a civilian employee to finish his military career. In all, Eric proudly served his country for 49 years, serving with Ordnance Corps and RCEME. Eric was a big fan of many sports and enjoyed curling, golfing, hockey and slow-pitch. A crafty card player, he excelled in the pegging of cribbage, and keeping his bridge opponents (and partners!) on their toes. Not one to sit still for long, Eric took up wood working in Dundern, and grandkid's rooms were soon filled with beautiful pine furniture, followed by kitchen islands and wine racks, stocked for us with his great homemade wines. For years he helped out as head snow plower and whipper-snipper for the family business. We are so proud of Dad's accomplishments, and good friends he met along the way, but his love for family is our most treasured memory and we miss him dearly. From countless hours in rinks with kids and grandkids, to annual camping trips to Twin Shores, PEI, to weeks of travelling across Canada with Mom, three screaming kids, and a dog and cat filling the 77 T-bird, Dad remained cool throughout with the only occasional "If I have to stop this car!". His "renowned sense of humour", as one former colleague referred to at his retirement, could liven up meetings, reunions, and living rooms. If help was needed, he was always there for us. That love and character are his greatest gifts to us, and we will always remember him when we share a laugh. A special thank-you to the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Grace Hospice who comforted and took exceptional care of Dad. He was happy to report the Jet's score to all who visited his room for updates. To honour Eric's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. A full life like Eric's is so hard to summarize in a few words, so we will welcome and treasure any stories of your time spent with him over the years.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2015
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Sad to hear, he was a great golf partner who was fun to play with. While serious when playing he would be the first one to laugh at himself if he hit a bad shot (or if somebody else did). You will be missed Eric. - Posted by: Dean L (friend and colleague) on: Aug 10, 2015
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Saddened to read of Eric's passing just now and heartened to see the character and sense of humour I recall from our 6 months together starting our careers as young EME officers (well, sorta young in the case of Eric and the two other CFR's, Willie Welmer and Barry MacLean). A great friend and fellow soldier... who will be missed and always remembered. - Posted by: LCol(retd) Pat Read (RCEME colleague and CFSEME Phase 4 classmate) on: May 15, 2015
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My sincere condolences to Jessie and all the Harrison family. So very sorry to learn of Eric's passing. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Eric in CFB Gagetown, NB when he was my ATO in the late 1970s. He was a wonderful gentleman with a dedicated professional approach to his dangerous job in ammunition. He was an individual who had a incredible sense of humour and a strong love of family. I can still hear his laugh and see he smile. RIP Eric. - Posted by: Jack Arseneault ( Colonel Retired) (military Colleague) on: May 13, 2015
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Hi Eric. I am sorry I am late with this note. It has been a long time since Feb 1963 when we first entered the ammunition world in St Theres Que. Although we ran into each other often we never did serve together. We did come close once when you were the ATO in Gagetown. We did a tour in beautiful McGivney, NB, a place I will never forget. If I remember correctly you and your friend Shelly Somers got lost in McGivney. Like you, I did 49 years and I still wonder why we did not do the full 50. I still have our Group 2 photo and I am looking at it while I am sitting here saying goodbye. So long Eric, it has been a pleasure kmowing you. Always a fan and friend. Ed - Posted by: Ed Mitchell (Military colleague ) on: May 13, 2015
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My sincerest condolences to the Harrison family. I had many dealings with Eric as an inspector with NDHQ as well as during my time as a commodity manager. I always appreciated Eric's professionalism, cando attitude and marvelous sense of humor. He will surely be missed by those whose lives he touched. - Posted by: Sheldon Lalonde (Friend) on: May 12, 2015
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I was sad to lean of Eric’s passing. However, when I read the memorial I pictured he as I remembered; a very happy man who was devoted to all he did and especially his family. Eric figured prominently in my days at CFAD Dundurn, as I was a new Ammunition Technical Officer and a Junior Naval Officer. He balanced his wisdom from the ages with his position at the time and often led me from the rear; gently (and sometime not so gently) giving me steers on where I should go next. Eric was a happy soul, there nary seemed a thing that could knock the grin from him and he helped maintain my sense of direction during a dark Christmas when we lost one of our officers to cancer. It is not that he did anything special or specific; he was just Eric. Fair Winds and Following Seas Eric. - Posted by: Lieutenant Commander Jason Cheney (CFAD Dundurn) on: May 12, 2015
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Eric "The old Hibou" (Old Owl) as I respectfully refered to Eric for his wealth of knowledge and wisdom at work. Trully a gentleman. I've missed him since he left CFAD Dundurn. He definitely left some big shoes to fill. I will always remember when He showed me his scrap book full of pictures form his military carreer. And one day before I left for Bosnia, I brought in a CD of Edith Piaf at work, this sure brought him some memories of his young man's days. He was a proud man, rightfully so. You are trully missed. Des. - Posted by: Sylvain "Des" Desaulniers (Co-Worker at CFAD Dundurn) on: May 12, 2015
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Eric, your friendship and help while I was in Dundurn was greatly appreciated. Your humour, sarcasm and pragmatic ways kept us going on those dark days post 9/11. Rest easy my fiend, your service to your country cannot be measured in words. - Posted by: Andy Haines (friend and colleague) on: May 12, 2015
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Met Ericin CFB Shilo prior to his commissioning, great person. - Posted by: Andre Beaudet (friend colleague ammo tech) on: May 12, 2015
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I am saddened by the news that the world has lost such a wonderful man. My condolences to his family during this very difficult time. I had the pleasure of working in a place that allowed me the company of Eric every day. The daily laughter that was attributed by the fantastic humour this man saw in every day events was one of the reasons people went to work. One humorous story I will remember for years to come was at Eric's expense when I had left a note on his desk that read "Eric, please return call from Haywood Jablomie" with a phone number to a hair salon in Saskatoon. The office was literally in tears listening to Eric ask the poor hair salon lady to speak to heywould Jablomie over and over again until he finally came to the realization of what he was saying, and that he had been duped. Thank you Eric for all the wonderful moments, the patience and friendship you shared. - Posted by: Jon Tompkins (friend) on: May 11, 2015
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Eric, you will be missed so much. We all loved and respected you from the day we first met. The reunions won't be the same without your unique laugh and sense of humour.(Were uncomparable). Of course Eric and I always had the pleasure of being the undisputed honor of being the crib champions. Go now in Peace our friend knowing that you were loved with all our heart and soul. Jessie, Tobin, Rene & Derrick: Your memories are the most precious of things. You will recall Eric at all times when you need a friend. Barry & Yvonne (cousins) Love you guys - Posted by: Barry & Yvonne Avison (cousins) on: May 09, 2015