HARLEY WESLEY BOLES

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HARLEY WESLEY BOLES

(Senior, Papa)

October 11, 1937 - September 18, 2023

Dad was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Judith Boles (nee Thornhill); his parents, Wesley and Jennifer Boles; and his daughter Marcia Ranville. He is survived by his son Harley C. Boles (Kirsty); daughter Kimberley Broda (Fred); son-in-law Ole Valmestad; grandchildren, Cassandra Valmestad, Megan Valmestad, Reid Valmestad, Hallie Broda, Tyler Broda and Thomas Boles; and brothers, Brian, Derric and Darrell Boles.

Dad was raised in Fort William, Ontario, until his high school years when he moved to Winnipeg to complete his schooling at Kelvin High School. It was at Kelvin that Dad met Mom, and after a few short years of dating, in 1961, they married. After brief stops in Calgary and Edmonton, Mom and Dad settled back in River Heights in Winnipeg where they raised their family consisting of three children and a dog.

Dad did not speak much about his childhood, however he would every once in a while, pull out a picture of himself as a teenager (with a very full head of hair) looking super bad ass standing beside an old car. He would laugh and say, "now that car was fast." As a result of his parents passing when he was a very young man, it was necessary for Dad to bypass university and begin his lifelong career as an insurance broker. He worked firstly at a couple of large insurance brokerages, and then in 1979, he started his own firm which he eventually sold in 2008. Dad was very proud to be self-employed (and more importantly, self-reliant), and took great pride in advocating very hard for his clients, many of whom became close friends. During his working years, Dad was very active on numerous charitable boards and also managed a few municipal and provincial election campaigns (winning more than he lost) while making many friends along the way. As for recreation, Dad very much enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing, wine making, cooking, Maui, Paris, and spending lots of time with Mom and the family at the cottage at Sunset Beach.

Dad instilled a strong sense of responsibility in his kids by working very hard for his family, without complaint – ever. We enjoyed carefree childhoods, because we were always provided for, knew that we were loved and always safe with Dad around. Dad was a big strong man with a big personality and usually with a big smile on his face – except for when one of us kids received "the look" which meant that you had done something really bad or had pushed him just a little too far. Our family road trips were always loaded with fun with Dad making sure that we drove to our destinations in record time. As a parent, Dad was a master delegator. We were taught at an alarmingly young age to: walk to the drug store; purchase a carton of Camel filtered and a bottle of 222's; and bring back all or rather, some of the change. Dad did not suffer fools lightly, so as a result we also learned early on such gems as: "that guy doesn't know his ass from a tea kettle" and "that guy doesn't give a tinker's damn." Although he mellowed significantly after his retirement, Dad still appreciated and acknowledged those who worked hard and cared about what they were doing because giving your best effort always mattered.

Dad was a big extrovert who enjoyed meeting and speaking with most anybody. Whether you were a close friend or a random person, Dad would without fail, say hello and chat you up. He often joked that he was "just making friends." At family dinners, Dad loved to kid around and banter with his people. He always had a one liner zinger for you, and at the end of an enjoyable evening he would say a heartfelt goodbye with his legendary handshake/handcrush.

Dad you were a terrific dad and papa - holy doodle do your people miss you already!

Our family extends the biggest thank you to the staff of Golden Links Lodge for taking exceptional care of Dad. In accordance with Dad's wishes, there will be no funeral service, but rather a family get together at the cottage.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2023