Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather died peacefully on Sunday May 29, 2016 at the age of eighty-eight. Harry was born May 3rd, 1928 and grew up in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, the only son of Lewis and Emily Priestley. Harry completed his college technical training at the dye lab, accepting a job with Joshua Ellis Textiles (Dewsbury, England). At the end of WWII in 1948 he served as an ordinary seaman with the British Royal Navy. Returning to his former job he met and married the love of his life, Jean Reid on March 29, 1952.
They left to be with family in Canada in 1954, on the ship SS Canberra, which took thirteen days to Quebec, and then on to Niagara Falls by rail. They had two children, Glenn and Julie. Early on Harry worked many jobs to support his young family, including being a labourer on the hydro tunnel. He took night courses to further his career, landing jobs as an instrument man for the Seaway, field supervisor for surveying in the engineering department of the City of Niagara Falls and relocating the family to St. Marys where he was town superintendent. In 1966 he returned to Niagara Falls, working as an estimator for D.L. Stevens. From there he worked with Hugh Cole, Jen Mar, Steed & Evans and lastly until his retirement from the Cyanamid. Loving the game of golf as he did, Harry played alongside his wife and granddaughter Amie one season after another. It was a given that he would become a starter for Queenston and Beechwood golf courses in his early retirement years. He will be remembered for his efficient and jovial manner at the first hole. As a little lad he loved to play soccer, playing way into his adult years and coaching his son’s team while enjoying watching him play. Father and son hung up their cleats and transitioned to becoming the best coaching team from in front of the television, supporting the English Premier Soccer League and forging a Super Soccer Saturday tradition that lasted Harry’s lifetime.
Harry’s love of England had never left him even though Canada had been very good to them. He took his wife and himself “home” every year and travelled extensively throughout the U.K. He had a kind heart and made friends easily with his humour and willingness to help. Many people became lifelong friends, accepted as family and keeping in touch through his ferocious love of letter writing. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 51 for 60 years. Harry and Jean were fabulous ballroom dancers and were well known, as people would clear the floor to watch as they melted together so beautifully. Harry leaves behind a legacy of happy memories with his small but very close family. Lovingly remembered by his wife Jean, his children, Glenn Keith (Barbara) Priestley of Ottawa and Julie Lynn (Stephen) Reiman of Chippawa. Cherished grandchildren Amanda Jean of North York, Glenn Stephen of Niagara Falls and Emily Caroline of Cold Lake, Alberta, and one great grandson (his little lad Bob), Jaxon Joseph Jesso. Cousins Rita (Colin) Gurton of Cheadlehulme, England and Denise (Phil) Ford of Bolton Percy, England. Lifelong special pen pals Nikki Marshall, Bert Hill.Special thanks to Harry’s doctors and nurses throughout the past three years, Dr. Gibney, Dr. Zimakas, Dotty McKay, Dr. Scher and his wonderful staff. CCAC manager Norrine Rudder. ParaMed PSW’s Leslie, Katelyn, Christine, Bonnie. St. Elizabeth palliative care nurses Brittanie and Ashley and a huge heartfelt thank-you to Gerry Bucsis from the Alzheimers Society.Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. Donations can be made to the Alzheimers Society of Niagara Region
When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone
From your porch to the gates of Heaven we can hear you singing this at the top of your lungs. We love you and will miss you so much.
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