HENRY HARRISON MEIKLEJOHN

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HENRY HARRISON MEIKLEJOHN
August 3, 1929 – October 26, 2022

While having his usual afternoon snooze in his favourite chair, Harry decided it was time to take leave of this world. As with all things he did in life, he left us quietly and with grace, a true gentleman.
Left with broken hearts and missing him dearly are Eileen, Harry's wife of 68 years; son Randy; daughter Heather and son-in-law Richard. We are gladdened in our sorrow knowing that he is reunited with those whom he loved and had passed before him, especially his mother, Ida Dalziel Meiklejohn Tindale who died at the young age of 68 in 1966. We know there will be a special meeting with his father, Henry Meiklejohn, who passed just before Harry was born. Amongst his family and friends waiting to great him, will be his favourite furballs, Max, Sadie, Misha, Annie and Zoe.
Born in Regina Hospital, Harry spent his younger years living with his mother in a variety of small towns, where she was a schoolteacher. Summers were spent on family farms with his paternal grandparents and aunts and uncles. When he completed school, Harry left small town life and moved to Winnipeg, first staying with his mother's older sister, Eva, and then in a boarding house in Wolseley, where Harry developed life-long friendships with 'the guys.' While at a dance with another lady, Harry met the love of his life, Eileen. He and Eileen married in 1954 and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past August.
Harry worked for the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) for 37 years, beginning as a linesman and retiring in a position of management. During the early years of his retirement, Harry worked tirelessly on a 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.
Although he enjoyed his years of work, Harry was blessed with a life long enough to enjoy more years of retirement than employment. Spending time at the cottage on Canyon Lake, puttering around building various 'garages' and fussing with his pontoon boat brought him great joy and satisfaction. His belief that anything would last forever as long as it was covered in a liberal layer of tar has now come back to haunt his kids as repairs are made at the cottage. The cottage served as a great meeting place for Harry and 'the guys' who met every year for a week of fishing and fine dining in the quiet seclusion of the lake. Always a boy's only retreat, wives and children were never allowed.
Harry belonged to the Masonic order and was a devoted Freemason with the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. He was initiated in Winnipeg at King Edward Lodge, No. 93, on 9 October 1963 and subsequently went on to be Master of the Lodge in 1972. In his later years as a Freemason, Harry became a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, having been advanced and promoted to the Degree of Knighthood on 21 April 2012.
Always a caring and doting husband, Harry will miss having Eilleen at his side, until it is her time to join him. As a father, Harry was always supportive even when he didn't really know what Randy and Heather were up to. Family bike rides and cross-country skiing were always fun times. Teaching Randy and Heather how to use tools and work with wood was always an adventure especially when learning which words to use when mistakes were made. Liberal use of tar was always included in lessons. Left with a myriad of tools and a large collection of wood planners, Randy and Heather will attempt to carry on their dad's excellent woodworking skills.
Harry's other hobby was building model aircraft. Although he never took up flying, Harry was an avid attendee at Winnipeg Air Shows where he was fascinated with the various aircraft, especially those with a wartime heritage. At his side was Randy, who credits Harry's allure of flight as the spark that propelled Randy towards his own love of flying and subsequent long career in the Air Force and ongoing profession in aviation.
Harry had a kind heart but was very particular in how he expressed his kindness. During his years working in his downtown office, he always walked to the Bay at lunchtime. On his way, if he was approached by someone asking for 'spare change' he never gave them a handout. Instead, he always treated them to a substantial lunch at the Paddlewheel Restaurant.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Harry's life will take place at a later date with a good old 'knees up'.
In lieu of flowers, please raise a dram of single malt and toast Sir Harry. Quiet, courteous and gracious, Harry was the epitome of a true gentleman.

Publish Date: Nov 12, 2022

HENRY HARRISON MEIKLEJOHN
August 3, 1929 – October 26, 2022

While having his usual afternoon snooze in his favourite chair, Harry decided it was time to take leave of this world. As with all things he did in life, he left us quietly and with grace, a true gentleman.
A longer obituary will follow at a later date.

Publish Date: Oct 29, 2022

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2022, Nov 12, 2022