HARRY JAMES BROWN (H.J.)

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HARRY JAMES BROWN (H.J.) Harry passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family and staff at the Boyne Lodge on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 in his 90th year. Harry was predeceased by his wife Edith; parents, Jing and Katherine Brown; siblings, Helen and Gwen; brothers-in-law, Robert, Lloyd, Arthur, Les, Roy, Earl, Alex and sister-in-law Nell. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Burna (Jim) Wilton of Elora, ON, Emily (Terry) Hunter of Winnipeg, MB, Lorna (Glenn) Lawson of Miami, MB; and seven grandchildren, Sean (Trina), Lori (Rob), Bronwynne (Pierre), Tracy (John), Dawn, Arvel, Paul; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Elsie May, Ida Arthur and Evelyn Fox; and many nieces and nephews. Harry was born in Morden, MB, on January 31, 1915 to Jing and Katherine, the oldest of three siblings. His early school years were at Debonair, in the R.M. of Roland. He helped his parents on the family farm and then took on the responsibility of farming in 1951 and maintained the family farm until retirement July 1991. He married Edith Fox on July 18, 1942. They spent 49 years on the family farm, ten years in Winkler and the past three years in Carman. Harry and Edith shared lifes journey for 61 and a half years, enjoying the celebrations and supporting each other when the road was rough. Harry enjoyed visits with family and friends and was always interested in what was happening in their lives. He was involved in the Roland community for many years serving as school trustee at Debonair School, member of Roland Fair Board, Bethel Church Board, Bethel Cemetery Committee, and various Boards for the Roland United Church. More recently he enjoyed all the activities and entertainment at the Boyne Lodge. Harry was a caring son and sibling, devoted husband and father, wonderful provider, conservationist, environmentalist, and a friend to many. He always took the time to show an interested child how to ride a horse, whittle a piece of wood into a beautiful sounding whistle, and would spend hours trying to teach someone how to braid, make a knot and care for animals. He was a teacher in his own right. He cared for nature and showed others its importance and beauty, never hesitating to preserve a wild birds nest or rescue a baby bunny when seeding. He made people feel welcome in their home and to arrive when peanut brittle or fudge was being made was an added bonus. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of life, an appreciation of nature, and would often encourage, "if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right!" He enjoyed farming, reading, sitting quietly with his dog, horseback riding, gardening, canning, visiting with family/friends and telling a good story. Harry touched the hearts of many and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbours. The family wishes to thank the professional and caring staff at Boyne Lodge for the care and friendship shown to Dad, Mom and to the family during the past three years. Thank you to Dr. Woelk, and the homecare workers in the Winkler area for their care as they allowed Mom and Dad to stay in their own home for several years. Also, thank you to all who remembered Dad with their love, support and visits. We thank Rev. Cathie Waldie, Rev. Chuck Ross, and Craig Johnston and the staff at Doyles for their assistance with the funeral service. A service of celebration will be held from the Carman United Church on June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Fairview Cemetery in Roland, MB. In lieu of flowers, friends so wishing may make a donation in Harrys memory to the Boyne Lodge, Box 1644, Carman, MB, R0G 0J0, The Arthritis Society, Ste. 105 - 386 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3R6 or Nature Conservancy Canada, MB Office, #200 - 611 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0P3 or a charity of ones choice. Doyles Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2004