HARVEY WILLIAM JOHN WILLIAMS

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HARVEY WILLIAM JOHN WILLIAMS

(Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend)

Harvey passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday, June 27th, at the Brandon Hospital at the age of 86, although he was hoping to live to 104. Leading up to his passing, Harvey had been in the hospital for one short week and he was blessed to have all his grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren visit him within a 24-hour period.



Harvey was predeceased by his eldest son Leon. He leaves behind his family: wife of 67 years, Cecilia, children Bernie (Jo-Ann), Trevor (Jo), Sandra (Trevor), Barbara (Garth), and Thomas (Yazmin) and his eight grandchildren and his 11 great-grandchildren.



Harvey was born in Fairlight, Saskatchewan, on February 24, 1938, to George and Alice Williams. He had one sister Donalda and five brothers, Walter, Brian, Gronway, Elwyn and Gwynn. Harvey and Cecilia lived in many places before settling in Oak Lake Beach, Manitoba for 22 years. Cecilia and Harvey moved to Brandon, Manitoba in 2017.



Harvey’s career had many twists and turns. Starting at age 13 he worked for the CN during the summer school break. He continued railroading but not as a full-time job. He did carpentry work and seismograph oil exploration in the Northwest Territories until he was able to railroad fulltime. This fulltime work required him to work from Churchill, MB to Jasper, AB. Harvey went into management at Canadian National Railway until 1976. In 1976 Harvey and Cecilia purchased a mixed farm north of Souris, Manitoba. He returned to railroading at Canadian Pacific Railway and retired in 1991. After retirement Harvey sold real estate, drove a combine for his friend Les Penner and son-in-law Trevor Cowieson. Cecilia and Harvey enjoyed many travels in their retirement, including Africa, Mexico and pulling their fifth wheel throughout the United States.



Harvey enjoyed farming and he liked railroading, but he loved doing carpentry work. He took so much joy in hard work and there was never a task that was too hard. Building Quonsets to barns to houses, garages and additions, all our family was rewarded with Dad’s hard work. He loved to see the finished project and always with a smile. Dad loved the sun and would work 16 hours a day into his late 60s. But in his 70s he cut back to 10-12 hours a day. Dad had a knack to remember how things were done, whether it was plumbing or wiring. He would hum away with a maze of wires in a junction box, black turns white and white turns black and red goes here. He would persevere no matter what and he would never give up on a task. He built our first home in Alexander in 1968 at the age of 30. He continued building for our family and friends into his seventies. One of his children once asked him why he used so much glue, silicone and nails and he replied, “You know I’m not going to be around forever, so I need to build it to last.”



Harvey was proud of his family and was always telling stories of them making their way in life. He always had room in his heart for others and would always take the time to listen and talk. Harvey loved to visit and the friends he made were usually for life. If you asked Dad how he was he would always reply “110% or if I was any better, I’d be twins”. We would call him Harv John, and he always quipped back in a loving tone using our full names. Harvey was known for his amazing one liners and short quotes. As we pulled up to a stop sign he would always say “clear my way and I love Harvey”.



Dad always had a kind word and his undying support we could always count on. When his family needed him, Dad was there. Dad was a very giving person, and the world was a better place with him in it. There is a big hole in our hearts as we say goodbye but when we think of all the happy and joyous times we had that hole fills back in and glows like your wonderful smile. We are happy that we had you and that you loved your life. Until we meet again.

Your body wore out, but your mind still said I can do it. A well-deserved rest my love.

-Cecilia

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 06, 2024, Jul 06, 2024