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DR. JOHN LESLIE HARCUS
Born: Dec 06, 1942
Date of Passing: Apr 21, 2020
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DR. JOHN LESLIE HARCUS
Born: December 6, 1942
Date of Passing: March 21, 2020
He is survived by his wife and lifelong partner Trudy Harcus, son Shaun Harcus, daughter Tara Leong, and grandchildren, Madelynn, Keith, Zachary, Paul and Anthony all in the Toronto area. He is also survived by sister Jane Turner (Winnipeg), and brothers, Thomas Harcus (Winnipeg) and David Harcus (Stonewall, MB).
Over the past year and a half, John was very appreciative of the efforts of his medical oncologist, Dr. Daniel Robson at North York General Hospital in Toronto to extend his quality of life. Throughout 2019 he was able to enjoy the things he liked best about the changing seasons - the birds and wildlife on his deck and in the ravine behind his house. He and his family were so grateful that he lived long enough to hear the first robin's song in the spring of 2020.
John was born and grew up in a farming community near Stonewall, MB. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and then a Master's degree in Entomology. Upon completion of his Master's degree, he was received as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto to study what he loved most - birds, and their behaviours and vocalizations. After receiving his Ph.D. designation in the spring of 1973, he was invited to pursue a post-doctoral research project at the Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology in Cape Town, South Africa. He and his young family moved to South Africa for four years, during which time John pursued his research into the complex song of birds in South Africa. During this period his research into bird song was recognized and published scholarly journals. When he and his family returned to Canada in 1976, he was offered a post with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and rose to become Senior Biologist in charge of all migratory birds in the province of Ontario. One accomplishment of which he was particularly proud was the reintroduction of wild turkeys back into Ontario
John was a unique individual with wide-ranging interests from science to philosophy, sports to poetry. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends for his wit, scientific curiosity, and his overall caring for humanity, animals and the environment.
In John's memory, donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced.
"Fly with the birds", John.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2020
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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The rumour had it that John's study habits were a bit unique at the U of M. It was said that John's approach for getting ready for an exam was first to buy a case of beer ( a 24 of course) and then study until the beer was gone. Naturally he was a true Aggie. He was also quite athletic. I remember playing football with him on the the Aggie nine man team. In the fall of 1963 during the Freshie Parade, I can rember John falling off the big transport truck bed onto the pavement. Some said he fell on his head. Anyhow, he got up brushed himself off and got back on the truck float. He was tough as nails. No one dared to tangle with John. I didn't realize until now, such attributes would lead to obtaining a PhD! I could never get through the 24 beer for each exam. I knew then, I didn't have what it takes to get a PhD. Unfortunately, I never saw John after university. I did not know until now how successful he had become. It is with much sadness to hear of his passing. My sympathy to all his family. I will have a beer in his memory. A fellow Aggie, Ed Thompson - Posted by: ED THOMPSON (Fellow Aggie, U of M.) on: Apr 12, 2020
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I'm sorry to hear of John's passing. He was my first big crush!! I was 16 in high school in Stonewall while he had gone on to university. We used to double-date with Bob and Jean...many fond memories-none of which I can post. lol The reason I went into Home Economics was because he was in Agriculture, and so all our social events were together...had a fabulous social life. Don't know how any of us graduated... RIP John. - Posted by: M LINDA MCEWEN (old friend) on: Apr 08, 2020
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I have known John way back to his U of M days and living in Ste. 8 on Pembina Highway. Many a time I have seen the "boys" down to only rice and mayonnaise! Many a good time over the years. It was always so nice to keep in touch. R.I.P my friend. "Fly with the birds". Trudy, you have our condolences and our hugs. Much love, L - Posted by: RON & LIL WALRAVEN (Long time friends for more than 55 years.) on: Apr 04, 2020