HAROLD JOSEPH SHIRTLIFF

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HAROLD JOSEPH SHIRTLIFF It is with sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Harold Joseph Shirtliff. He died at home, December 11, 2001, aged 75 years. Harold was born October 28, 1926, on the family farm near Starbuck, MB. He was the eldest son of Lewis and Stella (McDonnell) Shirtliff. Harold was a life long resident of Manitoba. At the age of 15 years, Harold enlisted in the Canadian Army and saw active duty in Europe with the Lake Superior Regiment from September, 1942 until May, 1945. He was wounded and returned to Canada. Harold made many visits to Europe to revisit the areas he had first seen as a young soldier. He was honoured to be a participant in the anniversary celebration of the liberation of the Netherlands. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion. After his return from the war, Harold purchased his first piece of farm land in 1946. This began his life long career in farming. Farming was both his work and his passion. He loved the land and seemed to thrive on the challenges of farming. His first 160 acres grew to become Elm Bank Farms Corporation with land holdings throughout southern Manitoba. Harold was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Maisie Morse Shirtliff. He is survived by his eight children and their families, Daryl, his wife Marianne and their children, Carolyn and Phillip of Edmonton; Nancy, her husband Stuart Averill and their children, Blake, Owen and William of Ottawa; Penny, her husband Richard Blouw and their children, Marcus, Eric and Ian of Winnipeg; Tanis, her husband Grant Kendall and their children, Grant Jr. and Hollie of Starbuck; Trevor, his wife Katie and their children, Bethany and Bailey of Winnipeg; Mary Anne Kelly and her partner Dave Weselak of Winnipeg; Collin, his wife Tamara, and their children, Hannah and Connor of Starbuck; Nadene, her husband Brian Newall and their children, Jane and Gavin of Kelowna. He is also survived by his companion Lill Elwood. Over the last few years, they have shared travels and adventures. Harold loved to travel and together they visited many parts of the world. Lill was a very important part of his life. Harold is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Rowene (Ed Lumdman) of Ottawa, Angela (George Murphy) of Victoria, Lucille (Frank Muldoon) of Ottawa, Wilbur (Florence) of Starbuck, Alvin (Pauline) of Starbuck, Ronald of Toronto, Estelle (Don Sinclair) of Melita, MB. He is also survived by the members of the Morse family, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and aunts. Funeral service will be held in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Starbuck, MB, on Friday, December 14, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Ron Vert officiating. Interment to follow in the Starbuck Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the RCMP and the R.M. of Cartier ambulance attendants for their care and compassion. As an expression of sympathy, friends or family may send memorial donations to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation or to a charity of choice. Adams Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 1-888-400-2326.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2001