Harry Edward Class

CLASS, Harry E. – Passed away peacefully at Freeport Hospital on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the age of 95 years. Harry is predeceased by his parents Edward and Lillian (Hahn) Class, wife Helen (Hirons), son Phillip, and brother Frederick. He is survived by his son Duncan (Margaret), daughter-in-law Marjorie Love-Class and two grandchildren Kurt and Heather (Simcoe), many nieces and nephews and by special friend Shirley Crandell.

Mr. Class was a member of the Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. Harry graduated from RMC College in Kingston, Ontario and was with the Canadian Army Intelligence Corps stationed in England. Some of his many life accomplishments include: retired Canadian President of “Mrs. Smith’s Frozen Pies”- a pioneer of the frozen food industry, President of the Ontario Frozen Food Council, Presiding Chairman at the historic meeting October 8th, 1968 to form the Canadian Frozen Food Association, as well as serving for many years as the Campaign Chairman for the Cancer Society – Iroquois District. Harry was President and coach of the KW YMCA swim team and was Director of the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame for 11 years, where he was inducted as a Builder and again as a diver in 1995 and is now an Honourary Member. As a member of CNE Sports Committee: Swimming for over 25 years, the swimming pool on Queen St. South bears his name. He was 1934 World Champion Swimmer at the Commonwealth Games and in his retirement, he became Master Senior Swimmer winning many medals and holds title of World Champion Master Swimmer. Harry loved collecting sea shells together with his wife Helen in places like Bali, Baja, the Male Islands, Panama, Australia, and the Cayman Islands etc. Parts of this extensive collection were donated to the St. Paul’s church for display, part also being displayed at The Children’s Museum.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Harry with his family at Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. West, on Wednesday June 15, 2011 from 2 -4 pm as well as from 7-9 pm. A funeral service celebrating Harry’s life will take place at Historic St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 137 Queen St. South Kitchener on Thursday June 16, 2011 at 11 am. , with a reception to follow in the church hall. For those who wish, memorial donations to honour Harry’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. Private interment will be at Woodland Cemetery.