HAROLD VERNON HARNDEN

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HAROLD (HAL) VERNON HARNDEN July 1, 1919 - October 15, 2015 Peacefully in his sleep, our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, passed away at the age of 96. He was predeceased by his wife Janet, parents Ernest and Leila, sisters Annie (Roy), Jean (Andy); and brothers Art, (who was killed in Italy 1944) and Don (Lillian). Harold is survived by his children Wenda, Wayne, Wesley(Theresa); and his grandchildren Karen, Ellen and Stuart. He is also survived by sisters Mary and Norma; brother Cliff and brother-in-law Andy. Hal was born and raised in the Grafton area of Ontario. After leaving home he drove truck hauling stone, milk, livestock and fruit. He then worked in a lumber camp and a shell filling war plant. After he decided to join up in the Army just like his older brother, Art. He was disappointed when he was turned down because of a suspected heart murmur. Later he was given a clean bill of health and joined the R.C.A.F. His service was at Mossbank, SK. which was home of the No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School which was part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. It was at Mossbank he met Janet Goodwin who was in the Woman's division of the R.C.A.F. Hal married Janet in uniform right after the war and built his home in Headingley, After the war jobs were scarce and he worked in various carpentry and construction jobs, as well as the Coke bottling plant. He then started a career with Eaton's and eventually became one of their highway transport drivers. He was with Eaton's for more than 40 years and received a number of safe driving awards. Hal lived a life of humble service to his family and community. Over the years Hal volunteered in Headingley at the rink, church, school, neighbors' homes and 4-H club. He liked to play cards, read westerns and go camping. He especially enjoyed the last Harnden family reunion in 2012 in Grafton which gave him an opportunity to reminisce with his siblings, other family members and friends. A special thanks to all the staff at the Notre Dame des Lourdes Hospital for their kindness, help and patience in the last seven weeks. Also thanks to all the home care workers for their "pill and eye drop visits" over the years. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2015