HAROLD WALTER BLACKBURN

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HAROLD WALTER BLACKBURN It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Harold Walter Blackburn, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, on December 3, 2004 at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 86 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Lynn Livesley; grandchildren, Kelly (David Ruff) and Kevin; his great-grandchild Jason Harold; his sisters-in-law, Thelma Stenhouse, Eleanor Frend, and Eileen Roberts (Allen) and many nieces, nephews, and friends, in particular, Jerry and Gordon Stenhouse. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Jean Bernice. Harold was born May 19, 1918 in his Winnipeg family home at 568 Bannerman Ave. It was here he was raised while attending Ralph Brown and Isaac Newton schools in the North End. As a young boy, Harold worked at Morrisons, where he had to whistle at the till, so that they knew he wasnt eating any candy! Just a teenager, Harold met the love of his life, Bernice MacGregor, at the Ralph Brown skating rink. They were married January 10, 1942, at St. Johns United Church and purchased Harolds family home, where they lived for 28 years. At this time, Harold was working for Walter Woods and he then went on to work as a checker at the CPR. Even though Harold worked long hours, six days a week, he and Bernice still found time to socialize with close friends, curling, bowling, or playing cards. Lynn can still remember the laughter of her Dad as they sang songs and listened to the bagpipes. He and Bernice also continued to fish and camp in Pinawa, something Harold had loved doing since he was a little boy. Harold was never afraid of a challenge, and thats exactly what he had on his hands when Bernice convinced him to buy property in Whytewold, MB. In 1958, without any training, the two of them began building their beloved cottage on Vine Street. Working slowly as they saved money and transported building supplies by train, the family cottage began taking shape. It is there that many cherished memories were forged as Harolds family and friends spent weekends and summers together year after year. His memory was impeccable. He could recall exactly how and when each and every part of the cabin was built. Harold still loved puttering around the cottage and, even when he was physically unable to do the repairs or start new projects himself, Grandpa would explain what needed to be done, and supervised as the "proprietor". Harold was a devoted family man, which he clearly demonstrated when his wife became ill with Alzheimers. Taking an early retirement from the CPR after 40 years of service, he stayed home to look after Bernice, and did so for numerous years. When it became impossible to care for her himself, Harold would visit her each and every day over the next four years at the Donwood Manor, feeding her both lunch and dinner. When Bernice passed away in 1992, Harold focused even more of his energy on his grandchildren and became a father figure to them. He loved nothing more than to watch Kelly play volleyball or Kevin play hockey, and was affectionately called Grandpa or GP by their team-mates. He was incredibly proud when he was able to walk Kelly down the aisle at her wedding (after having suffered a serious heart attack only three weeks earlier) and attend her graduation ceremonies. He, too, was extremely proud as he witnessed Kevin become a member of the Winnipeg Police Service, as this had also been a dream of Harolds when he was young (he, however, was an inch too short!). Harold and his daughter, Lynn, had a special bond as well. As the years passed, it grew even stronger. Harold enjoyed spending time with Lynn, whether it was at the lake, paying bills, or playing cards with the other aunts and uncles. He loved her dearly and would have done anything in the world for her. Over the last year, as Harold encountered increasing health challenges, the light of his life, his namesake - Jason Harold - brought him such joy! He so loved holding his great-grandchild and watching him as his personality and capabilities grew with each and every visit. He cherished the family pictures that sat on his television, a daily reminder of those who loved him so very much. Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa Harold: we were so fortunate to have you in our lives! You were a man whose love, integrity, patience, kindness, sense of humour, and wisdom were beyond reproach. We love you more than words can express and we will cherish each and every memory we have of you until we meet with you again. A memorial service celebrating Harolds life will take place on Wednesday, December 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Special thanks to Dr. Czaykowski and the staff of GD4 for their kindness and support during a very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2004