HAROLD DOUGLAS RAMSEY

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HAROLD DOUGLAS RAMSEY

February 10, 1930 - March 3, 2026

Harold was born in Pilot Mound, Manitoba in the early months of the Great Depression to his mother, Mary Evelyn Ramsey (Armstrong), a schoolteacher, and his father, Harold Edgar Ramsey, a salesman.

Harold was predeceased by Beverley Adele Ramsey (Lyne), his wife of almost 64 years in 2019, and is survived by his children, Doug Ramsey (Avril Phillips) and Barb (Barry); grandchildren, Steven Ramsey, Lindsay (Matt), and Bryce (Danielle); great-granddaughter Audrey Labroie-Ramsey; and cousins, Ed Grain and Marg Barrett (Jim).

Harold's early years were challenging, but he managed to build a great life for himself and his family through sheer determination. His father chose to run away a couple of years after his birth, leaving him alone in Winnipeg with his mother who had a history of mental illness, and completely isolated from his father's extended family. By the time he was 11 years old, Harold could see the situation wasn't sustainable and took control of his future, taking money from his mother's purse to buy a bus ticket to Pilot Mound, where his grandparents lived. He completed his schooling in Pilot Mound, at times living with the Currie and Collins families, defending himself in the schoolyard as the city kid from Winnipeg, and working in the local butcher shop while in high school.

Harold moved to Winnipeg after high school for work and to further his education. Living in a rooming house, he built a circle of close friends that he enjoyed throughout his life. Harold studied Chartered Accountancy at the University of Manitoba for two years and enrolled in the ROTC program, training at CFB Shilo in the summers and reaching the rank of Second Lieutenant. He left university to join the City of Winnipeg finance department, where he met Bill Miller, and his girlfriend Pat, who introduced him to our future mother Bev and her wide circle of friends. Harold and Bev married in Winnipeg in 1955, starting their long life together, and welcoming son Doug in 1957 and daughter Barb in 1960.

Dad joined the Industrial Development Bank, now known as BDC, in 1960, where he worked until his retirement in 1985. Most of his time with BDC was in Winnipeg, except for five years in Saskatoon. He and Mom built their life around their kids, encouraging and supporting them in school and sports activities. This led to their extensive volunteering with the Manitoba Marlins swim club, at morning swim practices, officiating at meets, and with Dad as club treasurer for several years. They continued with close involvement with their grandchildren, helping them get to ringette and hockey games and other sporting events.

Dad filled his retirement golfing and curling with friends, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and playing bridge with Mom and friends. They regularly took winter vacations to Florida with Dale and Beryl Anderson, and more recently to Las Vegas with Sandy and Val Hamilton. Dad finally gave up curling and golf about ten years ago. He filled that time with his Wednesday morning breakfast buddies and Thursday afternoon whist. After Mom's passing in 2019, he managed his own household for four years, finally moving to assisted living in 2023. Thanks to Joyce for driving him to whist after he stopped driving in 2023.

Dad passed after a short battle with lung cancer. We hope that, in his passing, he has found peace after the battle and the opportunity to finally tell his dad what he thought of him.

Particular thanks to CancerCare Manitoba for their attentive care; to Dr. Cal Bergen (Victoria Hospital Urgent Care), who helped Dad through his final hours; and to Drs. Kiu and Bulloch (Victoria Hospital), and to Dr. Edye-Rowntree.

A close family celebration was held on March 8. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba would be appreciated.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2026