WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY

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WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY Born September 21, 1895 Died December 31, 2000 After a long, healthy and happy life, W.H. (Bill) Harvey passed away at St. Pauls Residence in The Pas, Man., at 105 years of age. He is the much loved grandfather of ZAnne Harvey-Jansen (Brad Jansen), Blair Harvey (Jennifer) and Darrell Harvey (Katie Rollwagen) and much loved father-in-law of Karen Ann Harvey. Adding excitement to his most recent years are his five great-grandchildren who loved to ride on his lap in his wheelchair, Dakota, Keaton and Madison Harvey and Luke and Ethan Jansen. Bill was predeceased by his beloved only child William Murray Harvey (1982) and beloved wife of 57 years, Olive Leona (nee Murray, 1988). Bill, also known as "Will," "Pop" and "Gramps," was born in Waterloo, Que. Bill moved with his family to Brandon, Man., in 1902/1903, then to Antler, Sask. Bill attended an Anglican boarding school for two years in Winnipeg. After his father remarried in 1908, Bill went on to complete Grade 12 in Rapid City, Man. In 1914 Bill and brother Omar completed their diploma at Manitoba Agricultural College, following the advice of his father rather than exploring his dream of being a doctor. A few years later he trained with the Royal Flying Corps but was sent home from training when the Armistice was signed. He suffered the loss of his brother Omar with TB in 1919. Bill was also "big brother" to his half-brothers and half-sisters, Gordon, Winnifred, Winston, Margaret, Marion, Angus, Garth, Francis, Alison and Vera. Bills grocery connection began with working for Western Grocers in 1924 in Brandon before being transferred to The Pas in 1926. He met Olive in The Pas and they married in Neepawa on September 17, 1930. Bill bought Rupert Grocery in 1939 after credit managing the store for Western Grocers. In 1952 he built a brand new store on Fischer Avenue and named it Harvey Foods. His son Murray, born 1939, and wife Olive were the centre of his life. Murray and Bill shared their joy of curling, hunting, fishing and all things related to their beloved family cottage at Clearwater Lake. Bill, as a father, supported Murray in all his interests and was bereft when Murray died of acute leukemia in 1982. Bill was very supportive of his grandchildren and did his best to fill some of the void as a father figure. Even at 94, Bill traveled to Edmonton to "give away" his only daughter, ZAnne (his first and only occasion to don a tuxedo!). Bill was always a calm presence, always keeping up on the newest ways of doing things, always learning even in his 30 years of retirement. Bill was active, even into his 90s. In earlier life, he loved to horseback ride, curl, play cribbage (in fact, he scored a 28 hand at 98 years of age!) and be involved in his family, church and community. He was a member of the school board, the Gideon Society and The Pas Rotary Club (a member with 30+ years of perfect attendance!). His Christian faith was also a central part of his life, which he lovingly shared. Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. We love you Gramps! The funeral at Westminster United Church, The Pas, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2001. A brief service at Neepawa Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2001, will be followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, Man. Services were officiated by the Rev. D. Kellough and the Rev. Cassells. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Gideons International in Canada (in care of Jack Hyde, Box 1736, The Pas, Man., R9A 2L5) or Westminster United Church Memorial Fund (Box 25, The Pas, Man., R9A 1K3) in memory of W.H. Harvey are gratefully appreciated. Pictures and cards of remembrances can be sent to: ZAnne Harvey-Jansen, 4010 Galloway Bay, Sherwood Park, Alta., T8A 2L4. Email: dharvey@interlog.com. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Man., 204-623-3261. Whites Funeral Home, Neepawa, Man., 204-476-2848.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2001