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(1929 - 2008)

Harry passed away in Chilliwack General Hospital on Monday, August 18, 2008 after a long struggle with bone cancer. Harry was born in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, England on April 4, 1929.

He came from a pioneer family, where his father had the first bus in the area. After a few years his father sold out to the Midland Red, a bus company that is still in operation in the midlands.

Harry loved singing – he had his first voice lesson at the age of 15. He sang with a male voice choir in England for many years.

Harry and his family emigrated to Canada in 1957, his children were five, three and one year. His first job was at International Harvester as a heavy duty mechanic. After several jobs, and a move to Surrey, he started to work for Surrey Municipality, and was foreman of the mechanical shops when he took an early retirement. He then started up his own business from the house, and later it became Canada West Torque Tools Inc., a business that is still in operation today.

Harry leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Nora; and the three children: Elizabeth Powell (Ken), Beverly Powell (Dick) and Cpl. Lester Squires (RCMP) (Sherry).

He also leaves seven grandchildren: Christopher, Tammy, Bradley, Robert, Brittany, Jaden and Logan; and four great-grandchildren Hannah, Victoria, Hailey and Rylan.

Harry was a man of many hobbies. In Surrey he will be remembered for his Golden Retrievers, and the kennels “Gold Squires” reg’d.

Harry loved to hunt with his dogs, and was seen at many shows around B.C. walking his dogs in the show ring.

He was a soccer coach, a Boy Scout leader and Commissioner for Central Surrey, and Fraser Valley Region.

He joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1971, and sang four–part harmony for 37 years.

A man of many talents, he was very interested in woodworking, and made beautiful furniture, some of which Nora has today.

His greatest joy was receiving his pilot’s licence in 1974. With Nora, they travelled over the Fraser Valley, and attended a Boy Scout Jamboree on the Douglas Ranch, and landed his plane on Woodward’s Airstrip. This sent the security into a frenzy wondering who was using their airstrip. Harry explained and everyone calmed down.

He was a member of the Chilliwack United Church and worked many hours helping to update the sound system, a job of special interest to him.

Harry will be missed by so many people he was everybody’s friend.

Thanks to Dr. Ta, the special nurses on Unit 3 at the hospital, the palliative care nurses and doctors of the emergency department of the hospital.

A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at Chilliwack United Church. Rev. Doug Ireland officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chilliwack United Church Memorial Fund.

Goodbye Harry, you will be missed by your family, your church family and your barbershop family, and many other friends.

You will now be singing bass with the “Chapter Eternal”.




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