Obituary of Harold Davies

Harold James Davies passed away Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre after a short illness at the age of 90 years. A celebration of Harold's life was held Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at the Grace United Church, Lloydminster. Interment was in the Lloydminster Cemetery. Reverend Sue Hertell officiated. The Grace United Church Choir, led by Gladys Jack and accompanied by Irene Knowlson, provided the music. The hymns were two of Harold's favorites "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". The special musical selections were "I See A New Heaven" and "In The Quiet Curve Of Evening". The eulogy was given by Bev Foote, a close friend and farm neighbor. All of Harold's caregivers and friends were the Honorary Pallbearers and the Active Pallbearers were David, Robert, and Warren Davies, Clinton Reeves, Ken Ronneseth, Ken Coleman, Bill Cornfoot, and John (Jack) Stephens. Lunch was held in the Upper Hall of Grace United Church following the service with the United Church Ladies serving. McCaw Funeral Service were responsible for the arrangements. EULOGY Harold, the eldest of the family was born to E. Harold and May Davies on their farm in Southminster, during the flu epidemic, on November 21, 1918. Harold was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary, brothers Glyn and Cyril, brother-in-law Clayton Reeves and sister-in-law Florence Davies. Harold is survived by his sister May Reeves of Lloydminster, nephew David Davies and his wife Bonnie and family Kimberly, Richard, Liam and Kasyn; nephews Robert Davies and Warren Davies, niece Dianne and her husband Ken Ronneseth and family, nephew Clinton Reeves and Holly and children Clay, Bronwyn and Amber; and niece Glenys Coleman and her husband Ken and their children Avril and Reid. Harold will also be sadly missed by many friends, neighbors, and caregivers including Gail who took Harold to rodeos, chuckwagons, and Vic Juba concerts he'd never attended; and Fred who drove Harold out to the farm several times a week. They often stopped to visit Glenys or Lorne at our shop. Harold still commented on the seeding this spring - that it was late - questioned by Glenys, who claims she's not a great farmer. It is an honor and a privilege to pay tribute to Harold. He attended school at Southminster, took high school classes by correspondence and went on to take several agricultural courses at the U of S. May mentions that he was a great student and her mentor. He and Glyn were both in Boy Scouts. His only musical talent was his wonderful whistling and playing the harmonica. Early memories of their childhood putting pennies on the railroad track waiting for the train to flatten them (probably Glyn). Sunday afternoons were excursions with all the family packed into a "Model T". Harold remembered one Christmas eagerly anticipating the free show to be held on the Saturday, they spent all day Friday working to get the car going. Come Saturday the car would not start - so they not only missed the free show but the chocolate bar which May said they were happy to share - in contrast to the excesses in our present day. In the 1930's Harold and Glyn learned to be frugal and innovative. Their truck type bull dozer and brush cutter was the first in the district. Lorne called me last night to mention Harold's great ability as an equipment operator. During the big blizzards of 1955 - Harold was the only one of the neighbors who didn't get stuck snowplowing - even Glyn did - Lorne thinks. Harold was very proud of his family's pioneer heritage and willingly shared stories and facts of grandparents, uncles and parents. He was instrumental in the cairn making site of his grandparents sod house. He was also interested in preserving Southminster School and really enjoyed the cribbage tournaments in the later years. In 1950 disaster struck. Glyn and Harold's house on the farm burnt down and later that year Glyn was severely burned in a gasoline fire. Harold, who May said cared for his siblings, felt committed to looking after Glyn. Harold who was soft hearted, cared for all living things. He could not kill chickens or slaughter animals. In later years he had steers 5 or 6 years old and 1800 lbs that he could not sell. He and Glyn had several dogs and when Clinton came out to the farm on most weekends as a young boy - he had to share the middle seat in the truck with a wiggly cocker spaniel. Glyn and Harold spent a considerable amount of time building a trap for a naughty porcupine who was eating some ornamental trees. They trapped it to move it to a bush on the Steel place rather than shoot it. When we visited Harold at his Hearthstone apartment he had a cat with him for company. On July first he had Gail's little dog on his lap at the Weaver Park celebrations. Lorne and sometimes the girls would often find an excuse to visit the Davies farm and visit the boys. Harold was a truly generous human being - and neighbor. When Lorne went hunting in the fall, "the boys" would offer to snow plough or help in any way. In 1978 Glyn and Harold bought us four blue spruce as a housewarming gift. Mary Davies and I always picked crab apples at their farm and after her passing "the boys" delivered crab apples every fall until my own trees established. Just recently the Richard Larson Museum received a 1904 CASE steam tractor from Harold Davies and sister May Reeves. Glyn and Harold were very interested in steam engines and in the mid 1960's they purchased this one and partially restored it. Pet names were give to the Davies' family. Glyn was "Squire" or "his Lordship", Mary was "Madam", May was "Little Madam", Harold was "Hippy", and Cyril was "Bobby Shafto". In our visit yesterday May, you told me how much you admired Harold and how proud you were of him. The cute story of Southminster School - as children you girls were playing hide and seek in the caragana's. When Harold walked by the girls all commented "what a handsome boy!" You certainly proved your loyalty and love in the care you have given him, May. Glenys and Clinton spent many happy days at the farm and now Glenys' family and it was such a comfort to Harold to know that you have built your home at the Davies farmstead and that you were there Glenys at the Dr. Cooke to care for him in his last days. In return, Harold was so proud of his family and their accomplishments. Several years ago "the boys" were questioned about their retirement - they replied - "we are already retired - we are just doing what we want to do". You have noticed that we often say Harold and Glyn or "the boys" as we fondly refer to them. They were inseparable as companions, work partner's and brothers - a very unique and wonderful relationship: Glyn the master planner - Harold the hard worker. To Harold: "It's knowing folks and loving folks that make this life worthwhile. It's making someone happy with a cheerful word and smile. It's bringing a sweet blessing to folks along the way that fills our hearts with joy and makes for a perfect day." Harold you were a very "gentle" gentleman with a shy little endearing giggle who lived by the Golden Rule. A graceful spirit A giving heart A beautiful soul This sums up our memory of you Harold a wonderful neighbor and friend. God Bless you. - Beverly Foote CARD OF THANKS Harold's family wish to thank all of those who participated in the Celebration of Life Service. A special thanks to Sue Hertell for her support during this difficult time of loss, Bev Foote for the memories, Gladys Jack, Irene Knowlson, and Grace United Church Choir for their gift of music, the UCW ladies for providing the lunch, and McCaw Funeral Service for assisting the family with all the arrangements. Special thanks to the staff at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre for the care he received and the Gayle Speidel who made sure Uncle Harold was able to continue to do all the things he enjoyed. Donations in memory of Harold may be made to the Dr. Cooke Patients Comfort Fund.