HENRY CHARLES TYLER

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HENRY CHARLES TYLER "Harry" Tyler passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 11 at 10:40 a.m., aged 102 years. Harry was born at Purfleet, England on March 4, 1899. In 1910 he moved to Canada with his parents, three younger brothers and his sister. His fourth brother was born in Canada. The family arrived in Quebec City, aboard the steam ship Lake Manitoba, having stopped briefly first at Halifax. Harry and his family then travelled by rail to Winnipeg where his father, David, joined the family business as a carpenter. For the next few years Harry attended Machray School and St. Johns Technical School. In 1914 he joined the Militia. Enlisting with the 90th Regiment, Winnipeg Rifles, he was posted to the signal section. When the First World War began, Harrys father enlisted with the 27th (City of Winnipeg) Battalion. Harry enlisted with the 184th Infantry Battalion on February 10, 1916. He was 16 years of age. In June 1916, Harrys Battalion moved to Camp Hughes, Manitoba for training. Seventy seven years later Harry had the honour of unveiling the plaque commemorating Camp Hughes as a Provincial Heritage Site. In August 1918 Harry was sent to France. On September 26 he was posted to the 8th Infantry Battalion as Battalion Signal Sergeant. The following day the 8th Battalion participated in the Battle of the Canal du Nord. Harry returned to Winnipeg in July 1919 in the midst of the Winnipeg General Strike. Following the War Harrys father became police constable for Tuxedo, and Harry enjoyed accompanying him on his rounds. For two years following his return to Canada, Harry attended Success Business College. His first job was that of bookkeeper with the Winnipeg Electric Street Railway. He later worked for the Northwest Laundry Company as a supervisor and finally as route foreman for Fort Garry Dry Cleaners. He retired at age 66. For a brief period during the 1930s Harry served with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, and during the Second World War he enlisted with the Manitoba Volunteer Reserve. Harry had many sporting interests and was active in curling, bowling, speed skating, swimming, weightlifting and soccer. He was a member of the Winnipeg Sportsmans Club and the Cosmopolitan Club and possessed a Dominion of Canada Rifle Association gold award. At a late age he was still a formidable cribbage opponent, a dangerous checkers player and loved to play the harmonica. To Harry, family was the most important thing in the world and he loved being with them, playing cards, and telling stories about the "old days". In 1998 Harry was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour by the Government of France. He was the last surviving member of the 8th Infantry Battalion (Little Black Devils/Winnipeg Rifles) C.E.F. to have served in France during the Great War. Harry was predeceased by his loving wife, Eva, on March 23, 1995, his son Art, grandson Bobby and by his parents, Isobel and David Tyler, sister Irene Emerson and brothers Art, Bill, Fred and Jim. He is survived by three sons: Robert (Marjorie "Joan"), Harold (Millie) and Gerald (Marlene) five grandchildren: Terry Hooper (Ken), Bill (Lynn) and Jeff (Donna), Grant (Karen) and Michele (Brad) and eight great-grandchildren: Tracey and David; Kendra and Derek; Mitchell, Drew and Megan; sisters-in-law, Emily Tyler, Isabel Johnson and Gladys Taylor; brother-in-law, Victor Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. With a reception to follow in the Chapel Lawn Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2001