(Jan. 25, 1916 - Feb. 6, 2008)
Harry Heth passed away peacefully on the morning of February 6, 2008, in Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 92. Harry was born in Kealy Springs, SK on January 25, 1916, the sixth child out of nine, born to John and Christina Heth. Harry also had four half-siblings.
Harry had fond and vivid memories of his mother. Sadly his father died while Harry was a young child.
Harry worked hard on the farm as a young boy, helping out with the family farm. He left home at 21 with $10 in his pocket; he caught a ride on a freight train to Brooks, AB, where he worked as a farm hand.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he met and married his wife, Mary, and they were happily married for 68 years. By 1942 Harry and Mary had two children Yvonne and Mervin. In 1953 Harry and the family moved from Alberta to Hope, BC, where Harry was a mechanic. Shortly after arriving in Hope, Harry and Mary moved to Boston Bar, where they operated and ran the Chevron station, known to everyone as “Harry’s Service”.
Harry’s Service was the place to fill up, have your car worked on, and share a laugh and a story. Good memories where created at “Harry’s Service”.
Although Harry enjoyed the work at the Chevron station it was hard work and required many hours of his and Mary’s time. After 11 years in the service station business, Harry and Mary decided to relocate to Chilliwack.
Harry semi-retired after moving to Chilliwack, but soon found that he needed to do something to keep occupied. He worked at York Farms, a food processing plant, until he retired at age 65.
Harry enjoyed spending time in the yard and puttering, Mary and Harry would go to Reno a couple times a year, and they would venture out in their truck and camper to the States shopping for the weekend.
Without fail, wherever Harry went, he met someone he knew and had a smile for everyone he met. All who knew Harry respected and loved him. He had a gentleness about him and was always good-natured and happy. He said the secret to life is to never worry, as worrying will never get you anywhere.
Harry was predeceased by his mother and father, Christina and John Heth; brothers: Jake, Andrew, Albert, Dallas, Fred and Johnny; sisters: Martha, Lydia, Christine and Tilly; and granddaughter: Kelly Heth.
He will be sadly missed by his wife Mary; daughter, Yvonne; son, Merv; grandchildren: Bryon (Rita), Geraldine (Wayne), Desmond (Karen), Brad (Amber); great-grandchildren: Joshua, Sophia, Brandon, Maynia, Larissa, Jessica, Harrison and Dakota and many relatives and friends.
One memory that will always stay with the family is Grampa and his brown rocker in the living room; although the rocker will now remain empty he has filled our lives with precious memories.
Harry lived a full and content life and leaves his legacy to live on in all he touched.
A Memorial Service to remember Harry will be held at Henderson Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Avenue in Chilliwack, on February 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.