HARVELYN A. MCINNIS

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HARVELYN A. MCINNIS

January 5, 1931 - December 22, 2023

Harvelyn passed away in the early hours of the first day of winter following a short illness.

Predeceased by husband W. Fraser McInnis and parents, May and Kenneth, she leaves behind three daughters: Catherine Stewart (Malcolm); Lisa Grewar (Colin); and Pam Melin (John). Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Meghan Hinterberger (Greg), Elise and Blake; Graham Stewart (Haley), Dawson and Nathan; and Jack and Claire Melin. Cousins, Diane Hercus (Barry); Alison and Michael Hercus; Janet Mooney (Gary); Kate and Graham Mooney.

Harvelyn was born in Winnipeg and studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba but really found her calling as an interior designer. She earned her reputation as a creative, customized problem-solver through hard work and experience. In Winnipeg, she was the first designer hired by Kensington Homes to furnish dozens of show homes in the growing community of Transcona. She worked in sales and design at Wilson's Furniture for many years, and went on to sell real estate and manage home renovations.

Harvelyn met her future husband Fraser while visiting a friend's cottage at Minaki, Ontario. Fraser's family cottage was just across the lake and became their summer retreat for decades. She was instrumental in the design and construction of a newer cottage built on McInnis Island which continues to be treasured by the family to this day.

After she and Fraser retired, they moved to Victoria where she quickly became the president of the Saanich Newcomers Club and later President of the Alumni Club.

Harvelyn faced the hardships of the Second World War as a child when her father was imprisoned in Hong Kong for four years. As her legacy, she worked with publisher Harper Collins to compile and print Kenneth's war diary, "Letters to Harvelyn."

When Fraser passed away, Harvelyn moved to Oak Bay. With her business acumen, she was elected president of her building's strata council and held this position for ten remarkable years. For the past seven years, Harvelyn has been an independent resident, host, and ambassador at Berwick House (Shelbourne).

A livestreamed Service of Remembrance will be held January 26, 10:00 a.m. at First Memorial Funeral Services (Royal Oak), Victoria.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024