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HAROLD DOUGLAS RAMSEY
Born: Feb 10, 1930
Date of Passing: Mar 03, 2026
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
HAROLD DOUGLAS RAMSEY
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.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2026
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Our family met the Ramsey family in Saskatoon in the late 60's. We spent many fun times with them at our cottage in Falcon Lake and I am still friends with daughter Barb. Harold and Bev travelled to my wedding in Toronto in 1984 and Harold did the " speech to the bride" ( Thanks Mr Ramsey!) He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Jean Anderson (Family friend) on: Mar 18, 2026
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A further note to my Dad’s obituary of interest. My brother contacted Ancestory.com in early 2024. The great-grandaughter of my Dad’s Father contacted to advise that my Dad had a half brother David Ramsey (Mary) of Alabama and 2 half sisters who reside in the Toronto area. In the fall of 2024, his half brother David travelled to Winnipeg to meet his older half brother who he and his sisters were not aware of. This was a very interesting visit for Dad and David kept in close touch with Dad until his passing. Which we thank David for. I would also like to thank the staff at The Melody who worked with my Dad in the independent living home. Along with the many friends he had at the Melody. He really enjoyed the social atmosphere there and the genuine companionship he had with many people there. Special thanks to Bob Rolly for taking Dad to Wednesday morning breakfast group. - Posted by: Barb Ramsey (Daughter) on: Mar 16, 2026
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Harold and Bev were great friends with my parents. We saw them regularly until latterly when everyone had passed. On behalf of the Miller family, please accept our profound condolences in the passing of Harold - Posted by: Bob Miller (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2026
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I was so shocked to hear of Harold’s passing. Even tho we knew he was going thru real tough times I fully expected see him back with us for brkfst in a few weeks as he was such a strong and determined person. We all appreciated Harold’s sense of humor & his knowledge of the subjects we chose to discuss each wed am. He will be remember for as long as I live. I’m the next oldest now. I have a picture of Harold & our group that i would like to share with a member of his family. If you do wish I can be contacted @ 1-204-871-6006.Respectfully. R Harvey Harland. (Friend) - Posted by: Harvey Harland (Wednesday AM brkfst meeting for the last 5-6 yrs.) on: Mar 14, 2026
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In Pilot Mound, Harold lived across from Gladys Currie and her 4 sons and daughter, Bernice. My brother, Bob, was part of that gang. I was 10 years younger than my brother but, I do remember Harold. He was such a lovely young man. His obituary echoes that same good man! My brother, Bob, died in 1986 at age 56 and all the Curries and Collins of that generation are gone. My sympathy goes out to all those who will miss his presence. Elizabeth Boote (Zimmerman) - Posted by: Elizabeth Boote nee Zimmerman (friend) on: Mar 14, 2026
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My brother, Bob Zimmerman, as a teenager in Pilot Mound, was part of the gang of the Curries including Harold. I was 10 years younger than my brother but, I do remember Harold. He was a lovely boy! Sadly, all the Collins and Curries of that generation are gone, as is my brother, Bob, who died in 1986. Harold made a grand life for himself - a truly good man! Sincerely, Elizabeth - Posted by: Elizabeth Boote nee Zimmerman (friend) on: Mar 14, 2026
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Barb and Doug and family. I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Bev and Harold and family were our next door neighbours in Fort Richmond for many years and the best neighbours anyone could have. Barb babysat John and Jennifer for a few years and they always enjoyed her reading to them. I have seen your dad a few times at his retirement home when I was visiting friends there. He remembered me after so many years. My sympathy to all Harolds family - Posted by: Sue Heim (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2026