Obituary of Albert Edward "Ted" Harvard

OBITUARY Albert Edward “Ted” Harvard passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at the age of 86 years. Ted leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife, Irene Harvard; two children: Bryan (Beccy) Harvard and Darlene (Robert) Pickford; five grandchildren: Chad Humphrey, Diedre Humphrey (Colby Mann), Madison Harvard, Cody (Ashley) Bexson, Dusty (Ara-Lynn) Bexson and Zac Pickford; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, John Harvard. The Memorial Service for Ted was conduced from Kitscoty Community Hall, Kitscoty, Alberta on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Les Mitchell officiating. Cody Bexson gave the eulogy. Donations in memory of Ted may be made to the Pioneer Lodge Building Fund or to the Lloydminster Agricultural exhibition Association. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. CARD OF THANKS Our family would like to thank the Doctors, nurses and hospital staff at the U of A and Lloydminster hospitals for their care during Ted’s illness. A very special thank you goes out to Bill and Darren of the U of A EMS. When transporting Ted from Edmonton to Lloydminster they made an unscheduled stop at the farm so that Ted could be with his family and have one last look at his horses and the farm that he so dearly loved. We are forever grateful for this kind gesture. Thank you to the McCaw family for their care and compassion during this most difficult time. The understanding and professionalism they showed while handling the arrangements was truly a blessing. We would like to thank Les Mitchell for officiating at the memorial, Cody Bexson for delivering the beautiful eulogy, Diedre Humphrey for preparing the wonderful slide show and Jack Harvard for his comforting words during the blessing of food and fellowship. Thank you to the Kitscoty Hall Committee for setting up tables, The Lloydminster Exhibition Association for providing the linens and to Colleen Hozack and company for preparing and serving the lovely lunch. Thank you to all our friends and extended family for the cards, flowers, gifts, phone calls, visits, donations and food brought to the house. Your thoughtfulness means more to us than you know. We are very fortunate to be a part of such a caring community. Irene Bryan and Beccy & Family Darlene and Robert & Family EULOGY Albert Edward Harvard – Better known as Ted or Papa - was born in Lloydminster on July 26th, 1928. He was the second born son of Henry and Ellen Harvard. Ted lived on the farm with his family 3 sisters (Doris, Marjory and Mary) and one brother (John). He attended Devonia Lake school until about grade 8. At that point, like many others of the time, he quit school to help out with farming. Or as he may claim – Just too smart for books! In the early years Ted was in the trucking business, hauling grain and gravel. At one point he also hauled cattle to Edmonton with Earl Thornton. It was during his trucking days that he met and courted Irene Shattuck. They were married on August 13, 1952. Ted brought Irene from Islay and they resided in the home that Ted was born and raised. They welcomed their first born, a bouncing baby boy – Bryan Edward in 1958. Ted’s opportunity to farm arose the following year when his uncle Bill passed away. From that point on Ted was a farmer through and through. In 1960 they welcomed a beautiful baby girl – Darlene Claire who completed their family. Over the years farming and raising their kids took up most of their time. Running to hockey, 4H and Sunday school are just a few events on the list. There were always cows to milk and pigs to feed along with all the cleaning, never ending repairs and maintenance and numerous farm chores. As time went on the Harvard family joined the Kitscoty and District Saddle Club. Sundays were spent either on a trail ride or gymkana at the Mitchells. Darlene got involved in showing horses and Ted loved taking her. At one point he even showed them a bit himself. Horses were always a big part of his life. He drove them for work in the early years then for fun in the later years. There were always stories of runaways and wrecks that had happened. Ted’s love of farming was passed on to Bryan who worked with him as much as he could while he was in school. In 1976 Bryan started farming full time. The farm advanced over the years and Ted loved everything about it. He enjoyed the cattle and the grain farming equally. In 1976 the Harvard Family received the Farm Family of the year award in Edmonton. In 1980 Darlene was married to Harvey Bexson. They had two wonderful sons Cody Lee was born on May 24, 1982 and Dustin Harvey on May 28, 1984. They developed an acreage on the farmstead which allowed them to be close to, and a part of the farm. Darlene and the boys were always eager and willing to help whenever needed. Dusty and Cody were also known to get into the odd predicament on the farm. On one occasion Ted had to search for the boys on horseback after they’d been missing for some time. When he came across them playing by the coulee, Dusty noticed Ted coming up and calmly asked “Hey Papa, what are you doing down here?”. In 1983 the “Lloydminster” tornado hit the farm. It leveled about 3 miles of fence, numerous grain bins sheds and shelter belts. But with the help of friends and family it was all put back together. In 1992 Bryan met Beccy and her children Chad and Diedre. Bryan and Beccy were married in 1998 and blessed the family with the youngest grandchild Madison Grace on September 25th. Chad and Diedre were there to help with the fence building that went on for 10 or more years. Bryan and Beccy built their house on the farm in 2000 where they still live today. After many years of near drought like conditions, the decision was made to start elk farming as a way to diversify and try something new. That eventually turned into a buffalo enterprise which continues today. Ted always had a dog for a companion... they were never well trained but just good enough to be trouble when sorting the cattle. The dogs were always sure to catch hell when they were in the middle of the gate the cows were supposed to be going through – resulting in banishment to the barn. In 2002 it was an accomplishment many don’t see – the celebration of their 50th Wedding anniversary. Ted and Irene had been told they were going out for a family supper to celebrate. When they pulled into Bryan and Beccy’s driveway with a garage full of close family and friends, a few happy tears were shed and hugs were given. All in all they were pleasantly surprised! Over the past 15 years Ted was able to witness his grandchildren in: 4 highschool graduations (Cody, Chad, Dusty, Diedre), 3 weddings (Cody, Dusty, Chad), and the arrival of 6 great grandchildren (Darren, Jayden, Dane, Tamryn, Westin, and Jaxson)! All the while smiling just as proud as could be!! Ted always put his family first. He loved going to cheer on his grandkids and great grandkids at hockey games, school concerts and graduations. In good Ted fashion, when anyone – especially his grandchildren asked – Ted would do his best to accommodate – like the time that he took Sparkle the pony to show and tell at school for Madison in grade three. Or the time he taught life lessons to Cody –“ you got the quad stuck in the spring frozen pond – like hell anyone but you is going in there to hook the chain up so I can pull it out!” In April of 2007 Darlene remarried to Robert Pickford – and Darlene took her farming a little further down the road. Although off the farm - Darlene and Robert are quick to help on Harvard Farms whenever needed. If you ever wondered what the weather was like, price of grain or what Ted was doing on a certain day– his day timer would have the answer. He was very diligent at making sure he kept up on it. This is a precious memory for the family and something he loved to do. Sometimes he thought what the neighbours were doing was worth writing about! Like the records of when Darlene and Robert purchased Heifers for $700 head. Papa had a very large heart, and genuine warm smile and nice big hand to rest on your shoulder while he would ask... “and how are YOU doing today?” Ted was a very friendly man. He always looked forward to visits with his many friends and always willing to make new ones, even strangers!! Leonard Carpenter was one of Ted’s dearest friends. They would travel the roads searching for cattle to pen and horses to buy. Every now and then taking in a Rodeo and enjoying the fair grounds – especially with their daughters (Darlene and Sonja). In January of 2013, the decision was made to move Ted and Irene off the farm and into the Pioneer Lodge in Lloydminster. It was with mixed emotions – but soon they grew to love the company. And Ted especially loved the pool table. After 61 years of marriage - It was in 2014 that Irene and Ted lived apart for the first time. But Ted would always go visit Irene at least twice a day! He had a heart of gold, and a deep love for his wife. It was also in this year that the farm celebrated a major milestone –100 years since it was homesteaded by Ted’s grandfather, father, and uncle. Another personal accomplishment Ted achieved was the fact that he still had a valid driver’s license. Ted loved the freedom and the ability to go out and about visiting family and friends, especially his wife Irene. The family would like to thank the EMT’s who transported Papa home from Edmonton – we are forever thankful that they took an unscheduled detour for a short time, and Ted and Irene were able to say their final good-byes at the farm that held so many memories. It may seem like a small gesture, but that touch of compassion means so very much to the family. Ted lead a life full of accomplishments and the love he had for his family, his farm and his community was truly inspiring. By example he taught his children and grandchildren that hard work, love of family, respect for others and passion for what you are called to do will reap the greatest rewards. Rest easy Papa, ride those horses in the sky. We love you and we will forever cherish the memories and lessons you taught. When asked of the family for memories they would like to share – well, the stories were many. Here are a few we would like to share with you: · Papa taught Chad all about electric fences and how you have to put your knee on the ground to really find out how it works. Chad thought that Ted had kicked him in the back when the current hit him. Ted had a great laugh! · Dusty and Papa were always in a competition of sorts. If it wasn’t fighting over who’s hockey team was the best – it came down to horse power – and whether the ol’ fashion horses and way of getting work done was better than the new age horse power of quads. · Diedre was taught how to drive a quad by Papa while they were out fencing... and how to not chicken out when the going got tough – like to get the quad a going... even with the front tires in the air! And the time Ted saw a picture of Shania Twain and commented that Shania had more curves than a winding mountain road. · Robert recalls one time when moving cattle past Harry Siemens and the bull decided to check out Harry’s oats. They ended up roping the bull and all hell broke loose. But eventually he was back with the cows and they went on their way. · Darren remembers helping Papa harvest potatoes – although he does admit, he only helped a little in the beginning and then went off to “check out other things that were going on” · Ashley remembers going for suppers and always playing cards – pretty sure that Papa would get a little grumpy when she would win – claiming beginners luck he would have a little laugh, and then demand a rematch!