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HARRY GRIGG RESTALL
Born: Aug 23, 1930
Date of Passing: Dec 25, 2019
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HARRY GRIGG RESTALL
He will be sadly missed by his wife Helen, adult children, Margaret Restall (Thomas), Michael Houston (Tracy), Gordon Houston (Helen) and Don Houston (Mary Theresa), grandchildren, Evalyn, Mathieu, Emily, Abby, Jessica, Kathryn, Emma, James, Olivia, Jacqueline, Charlotte and Donnie, and nieces, Ann Robert, Alison Kirkland and Lindsay Kirkland-Bizruchak.
Harry was predeceased by his brother, Alan Restall, and sister, Margaret Kirkland.
Full obituary appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on January 4.
A memorial service and celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Ave. in Winnipeg.
Publish Date: Jan 10, 2020
HARRY GRIGG RESTALL
He will be sadly missed by his wife Helen, adult children, Margaret Restall (Thomas), Michael Houston (Tracy), Gordon Houston (Helen) and Don Houston (Mary Theresa), grandchildren, Evalyn, Mathieu, Emily, Abby, Jessica, Kathryn, Emma, James, Olivia, Jacqueline, Charlotte and Donnie, and nieces, Ann Robert, Alison Kirkland and Lindsay Kirkland-Bizruchak.
Harry was predeceased by his brother, Alan Restall and sister, Margaret Kirkland.
Harry was born in Winnipeg on August 23, 1930. He attended Luxton Elementary School and St. John's High School. Harry was a talented soccer player in his youth, playing for the Luxton Royals and other Winnipeg teams.
Harry had a long and successful career with Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) starting in 1948. He went back to school in 1978 and received his Business Diploma from the University of Manitoba.
After his retirement from MTS in 1989, Harry was the driving force behind a successful class action lawsuit to improve the pensions of MTS retirees. The litigation lasted more than 12 years, culminating in victory at the Supreme Court of Canada. Thousands of MTS retirees now have better pensions than they had before. In 2012, Harry was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of his colleagues.
In 1971, Harry married Helen, the love of his life. Undeterred by the fact that Helen had three young boys, Harry popped the question, and they had a long and happy marriage. Their daughter Margaret was born in 1973, and many grandchildren followed. Harry cherished time with his family, and they all cherished their time with him. Harry and Helen lived on Queenston Street in Winnipeg until 2018, when they moved to Regina.
Harry was a warm and gentle man. Everyone who spent time with him is better off as a result. He was an excellent curler and an enthusiastic golfer, and he enjoyed (and occasionally won) his weekly card games with his friends. Harry enjoyed making homemade wine, some of which was drinkable. Harry and Helen loved to dance together and wowed the family with their jive moves.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Rao at Regina General Hospital and the staff in the Palliative Care ward at Pasqua Hospital for the incredible care and compassion they showed to us during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to do so may make a donation to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Harry will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
A memorial service and celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Ave. in Winnipeg.
Publish Date: Jan 4, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2020, Jan 10, 2020
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I just read about Harry's passing on the TRAM website, so many people owe so much to this fantastic man, what he did for so many people cannot be praised enough. My sincere condolences. Larry Riach - Posted by: Larry Riach (A grateful MTS retiree) on: Apr 17, 2020
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I was just starting my MTS career when Harry was in his last 5 years, never really working together. We did run into each other during and after his career. I will remember him and as smart and kind! Last couple of years I will always appreciate and be grateful for all he did for all of us. Thank You! My condolences to his family, friends all who will miss him. - Posted by: Donna Loszchuk ((Co-Worker)) on: Jan 15, 2020
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Helen, my deepest condolences. As you know, I always considered Harry to be a genuinely great guy. We had so much fun working together in Operator Services when he became General Manager & I his secretary. Harry gave me a gift of a palm plant (which he did not like in his office and wanted to get rid of it) so I gladly took it and named the plant “Harry”! To this day it is still surviving in my home and when every time I water it, I think of him. There are sooo many other wonderful things I could mention about Harry, but choose to cherish them in my heart and I thank God for placing him in my life. A beautiful soul has moved on. - Posted by: Carol Riel (Secretary MTS) on: Jan 06, 2020
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Harry was truly in class of his own as a genuine gentleman. Many memories of hunting for Harry's and Mo's (my father) golf balls at multiple courses around the province. My sincere condolences to Helen and family. - Posted by: Kerry Renaud (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2020
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Dear Helen, We are so sorry read of Harry in today's Free Press. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Thinking of you often while we are in CA. - Posted by: Robert and Ann Rostecki (longtime friend) on: Jan 04, 2020
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RIP Harry; you were a great, helpful and gentle man. We thank you for all you did for MTS employees. Sympathies to your family! - Posted by: Jeanette Cherlet (Coworker ) on: Jan 04, 2020
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Sorry for your loss. You may remember me as one of Helen's piano students around the time of your wedding! Saw this in the FP today. - Posted by: Ralph Levenstein (friend) on: Jan 04, 2020
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My heartfelt sympathy, a kind and gentle man! Hugs to Helen and the family. Patty - Posted by: Patty (friend, dental assistant) on: Jan 04, 2020
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