Kelby posted a condolence
Thursday, July 16, 2020
I was blessed to meet and get to know Harold through his loving daughter Debby. Harold was a kind and gentle man who would always greet me with a smile. Some of his favorite topics to talk about were his curling stories and his cottage on the lake.
One of my last visits with Harold was a one-on-one visit. We went on a walk and while I pushed his wheelchair he shared stories from his life. He told me how much he enjoyed having a beverage on Debby's porch and watching all the people walk by. This time Harold and I had our beverage of hot chocolate and a donut from Tim Hortons. When I wheeled him back to his room at Linhaven he squeezed my hand tightly and I thanked him for the visit. He gave a quick kiss to the back of my hand and said 'the pleasure is all mine!'
My children loved to visit with Harold, hear his stories, share his treats and admire all the airplanes he had decorating his room. They were always so fascinated to hear the stories of how he learned to fly in the air force in 1944 and his role as a gunner.
On Harold's last Rememberance Day he attended my children's school ceremony. He was wheeled in by his daughter Debby. When our national anthem started and the last post played, Harold stood up from his wheelchair, held his hand to his forehead and saluted our flag while remembering those he walked beside that were lost fighting for our freedoms. There was an overpowering emotion in the gymnasium that day, and those that stood around Harold did not have a dry eye. Everyone came and shook his hand to thank him for his service. My children we so proud to have him there and know a real life hero. I will be forever honored to have stood beside him at his last Rememberance Day ceremony. It was an honor and a privilege to know you and love you. This time Harold, the pleasure is all mine.
Kelby
