Harry passed away peacefully in St. Joseph’s Hospital on Friday December 15, 2006 after a short illness.
He was predeceased by his father Henry Hill, mother Marie Hill, and sister Jean (Rod) McConnell.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his children James of Vancouver, Lawrie of Vancouver, Ross (Christine) of Boston, Massachusetts, and Moira (Grant) Ashlee of Comox; grandchildren, Michaela and Aleah Ashlee of Comox and his sisters Betty (Jim) Worthington of Victoria, Alice Hill of Edmonton, Alberta and Meryle Nerlund of Gleason, Alberta.
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Harry was born in Calgary, Alberta in November 1934 and grew up in a family where he was surrounded by music.? His father played the violin, his mother was a wonderful pianist, and his sister’s were all beautiful singers.? This set the stage for his musical future.? He began playing violin at an early age and never quit.? He met his wife Mary at the University of Manitoba in 1954.? They were married in August of 1957 and eventually had 4 children. He attained his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta in 1965 and began a lengthy teaching career as a Music teacher in Edmonton, Alberta.? He and Mary moved to the Comox Valley in 1979 where Harry continued to teach in the public school system until his retirement in 1996. During that time he also taught the violin and cello which he continued to do after his retirement. He also filled his time playing in a variety of bands and small groups including his own trio “Uncle Harry’s Wire Choir” that kept him busy playing in local restaurants and for all kinds of charity events, weddings and parties.
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Harry’s main hobby was music. He loved playing, listening to, and teaching all types of music. His passion for music rubbed off onto many hundreds of people who had contact with him. He also loved to cook and spend time in the kitchen being creative and making his famous soups. He enjoyed his home on the water and spent many hours walking on the beach and sitting on his patio just enjoying the view in front of his home. One of his other pastimes was going to the grocery stores in town and running into friends and students, always greeting everyone with a warm smile and a hearty laugh.
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Harry was a well-liked person. He was outgoing, friendly and loved to socialize with and be around people. He was very proud of his children and grand children and was their biggest fan. He loved his wife Mary who was his best friend and partner for 49 years.? He also loved his sisters with whom he maintained close contact and for whom he provided support at difficult times.? Finally, he loved his adorable little dog, Tasha. Harry will be sorrowfully missed by all who knew him.
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A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2007. Location and time are to be announced.
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Special thank you to the nursing staff on the third floor of St. Joseph’s Hospital and an extra special thank you to Rev. Gordon Carter for being there for our family and helping us cope with this terrible loss.
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In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the S.P.C.A.