Born in Croydon, England, January 11, 1922 — passed away June 10, 2004 of Heart Failure at the Chilliwack General Hospital.
Harry had been suffering from COPD for many years and he had resided at the Birchwood Assisted Living Retirement Apartments for the past 5 months.
Harry served in the RAF during WWII as a tail gunner and was also in the Metropolitan Police Force (a Bobby) in London England before joining the Canadian Provost Corp in July 1954 in Chilliwack.
He retired to Chilliwack from the Military in June 1972. His Military years had taken him and his family from Chilliwack to several provinces and also Germany. During his Military Career he had been awarded the following medals: 1939 — 45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939 — 45, and Canadian Forces’ Decoration and Clasp.
After retirement from the Military, Harry spent 6 months as security guard for BC Hydro, worked as a dispatcher for the Ladner Police Force, and then joined the Canadian Penitentiary System as a Living Unit Officer working at Matsqui and then Mountain prisons. He retired in 1987 and spent many happy hours travelling with his wife Phyllis, who predeceased him in 1999.
Harry was also predeceased by his father Henry in 1986 and mother Elsie in 1964.
Harry, known as Bob to many of his friends, was a member of many Associations in Chilliwack including, the Legion (Br 004), Lawn Bowling Club, Chilliwack Senior Recreation Centre, Carpet Bowling, Senior Citizens Association of BC, and FSNA. He had a quick wit, enjoyed a good game of cards, and we have been told was always ready to lend a hand, help out when needed and a great social asset.
He is survived and greatly missed by his two daughters Jacquie Gartman (Rolf) and Gillian Bennewith (Bruce), his Grandsons Derek and Robert Bideshi, Clifford and Christopher (Pam) Gartman, Great Granddaughter Jennifer Guillou Granddaughter Jean Todd and Great Grandson Ryan Todd, and Lang and Khanh Ngo and family. Also family in England, cousins Anne Lyall, June Harris and their families, and Fred (Norma) Cross and family, and in Australia, Connie McKenzie.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the BC Lung Association.
A memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 24, 2004 at 6 pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church. Tea and sandwiches will be served in the Church Hall following the service.