DAVID WILLIAM HARRISON

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DAVID WILLIAM HARRISON David William "The Bear" Harrison passed away on Monday, April 2, 2001, at the age of 55 years, beloved husband of Janice Harrison of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Rheanna Harrison of Medicine Hat; one brother Barry (Kathleen) Harrison of Winnipeg; one sister Linda (Russell) Riddel of Winnipeg; two sisters-in-law, Christie (Syd) Korsunsky and Jo-Anne "Joni" (Bill) Ingram all of Winnipeg; father-in-law William Gottfried of Winnipeg and sister-in-law Karen Harrison of Ottawa as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Marcus Harrison; one brother Stephen and by his grandparents, William and Sarah Hall. Dave was born on December 11, 1945 in Kingston, Ontario. His first job was in 1964 with Canadian Forces radio in Germany where he did his first on air gig. Bear often recounted his days in Winnipeg at CFRW, which he joined in 1970. On June 1, 1974 he married Janice Gottfried in Winnipeg. He later moved to the 58 CKY station. His responsibilities moved from behind the mic and into programming with jobs in Yorkton (CJGX) and Saskatoon (CFQC) then landing in Calgary at CFCN in 1980. Stations in Yorkton (CJGX), Winnipeg (Z103) and Saskatoon (CFQC) would call him back again respectively before he came to call Medicine Hat home in 1993 (CJCY). "The Bear" considered it a real highlight in his life to have been able to be the first FM morning man in this city. He was truly dedicated to the station and the city of Medicine Hat. Once he was off the air and his shift completed, Bear couldnt wait to get out into the community and meet with the people. He was the consummate MC, volunteering his time in innumerable events, too many to mention. Suffice it to say, if you lived in Medicine Hat you knew "The Bear" or knew of him. He was inescapable. Bear, youll be missed by all. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME, Medicine Hat on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL, Medicine Hat, on Thursday, April 5, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Farrell officiating. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Room 124 Professional Building, 430 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 2S8 or to the Childrens Wish Foundation of Canada, c/o Ian Blakely, Box 1148, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 7H3. Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 2V6. Please call 1-403-526-2214 for further information.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2001