William Dods Harrison

With sadness Bill’s family announces his passing in his 81st year, at Guelph General Hospital on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. After 56 years of marriage, he leaves his wife Patricia (nee Ballantyne), adored daughters Stephanie and Valerie, loved son-in-law Shawn Peddie and much loved grand-daughter Ainsley Munroe. Also mourning his loss is his brother Jack (Connie), step-siblings Ann Smith and Jim Steen (Betty) and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents William Austin “Aus” Harrison and Dorothy Maude Dods, step-mother Vera Serviss, brother Wayne and sister Margaret Cosgrove. Born in Brampton, Ontario, Bill spent his early boyhood in Fredericton, NB, and then moved with his family to Galt. He attended the Ontario Agricultural College, then studied and taught at the Ontario Business College. Although a frustrated farmer at heart, he went into business management, holding such positions as General Manager of the Canadian Scale Co. in Toronto and Canadian Director for Onan Generators, based in Guelph. In 1969, he and Pat took their two young girls and moved to Australia, just for the adventure. After nearly four wonderful years, they returned to Cambridge, where he joined the faculty of Conestoga College, teaching in the Business Division for 21 years. Upon retiring, he set up a scholarship fund for needy students. Always widening his knowledge, Bill earned his Professional Managers designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. In affiliation with Conestoga College, he taught the CIM year 4 course at Waterloo University. Bill loved teaching and getting to know his students. He was known for his helpful manner, his humour and for his brightly coloured socks, usually red. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and, as secretary-treasurer co-founded the West Cambridge Optimist Club. He loved best to be “up north” near Magnetewan, driving the tractor, hauling firewood, fixing things or tramping through the bush. He took his girls camping and canoeing, teaching them how to bait hooks and catch fish. Bill was a good, even-tempered man, who always kept his word. He will be missed by those who knew him. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at Zion United Church, 215 Peel Street, New Hamburg, on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment will be later at Memory Gardens, Breslau. Donations in Bill’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice will be appreciated by his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519 621 1650).