Harald Jensen

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Harald Jensen who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Harald was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Harald knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Harald was born on October 27, 1928. He was born and raised in Denmark. He was the son of Peter and Kristine Jensen. Even as a youngster, Harald learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. His early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

      As a young boy, Harald was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, he liked to organize and direct; he was good at it. He was raised with ten brothers and sisters. Harald tried his best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For him, this was the natural order of life.

      Harald’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Harald enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included ball.

       Harald was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships.

       Harald felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Harald reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Anita Amanda Michaud. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, Harald met his wife Anita in Niagara Falls in the Summer of 1951. Harold and Anita were married in Montreal, Quebec.

       One of Harald’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

       A civic-minded person, Harald was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities such as Community Care Meals on Wheels. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was a member of several community groups. Being generous with his time and energy, Harald liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset.

      Harald was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Harald had Three daughters, Kirstine, Yvonne (deceased 2007) and Sandra.

       Harald was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children.

       Harald liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Harald enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel.

       Later, he was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Robert, Julie, Allison, Dawn, Taylor, Krista and Brad and ten great grandchildren.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Harald was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Harald upheld his high standards. His primary occupation was working as a self employed successful business owner in the steel industry.

       Harald’s ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. Harald was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

      Harald approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included traveling, woodworking and fishing.

       For Harald, many things brought him a little bit of joy in life.

       Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Harald to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports (especially golfing). He also enjoyed watching his favourite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity. He thoroughly enjoyed watching Tiger Woods play golf.

      Harald always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. His perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 2000. He made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to. Golf, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.

       Even in retirement he managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones.

       In many ways, Harald loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

      Harald Jensen left us on March 30th, 2011. He passed away in his apartment at Taunton Mills. He was 82 years of age. Harald fought a brave battle against cancer and chose to die at home. He was preceded in death by his daughter Yvonne. He is survived by his daughters Kirstine and Sandra. Services were handled by Oshawa Funeral Home. Harald was laid to rest at Thornton Cemetery.

      All who knew him would agree that Harald was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Harald Jensen did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.

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JENSEN, Harald

It is with great sadness, that the family announces the passing of Harald on March 30th, 2011, five months after the death of his beloved wife, Anita. Harald was born in 1928 in Denmark and immigrated to Canada in 1950. He married the love of his life, Anita (nee Michaud) in December 1951, after meeting Anita in The Rose Garden while visiting Niagara Falls the previous summer. They were married for 59 years. Harald is survived by daughters: Kirstine Farmer (Randy), Sandra Hammett (Gary) and predeceased by daughter Yvonne Eastman in 2007. Harald was very much a family man and was extremely proud of his daughters and loved dearly his seven grandchildren: Robert Farmer (Nancy Martin), Julie Farmer, Allison Love (Todd), Dawn Hughes, Taylor Hammett, Krista Hammett, Brad Hammett (Janet), and his ten great grandchildren. Harald and Anita ran several successful steel businesses including Oshawa Ornamental Railings, Jensen Steel and along with their daughters (Yvonne and Sandra) Solina Steel and Prime Steel before retiring. Harald enjoyed fishing, wood working, traveling, and during his retirement years golfing with friends and delivering Meals on Wheels with Anita. The family thanks Harald and Anita’s many supportive friends, especially Doug and Sheila Kerr, and Doctors Chor and Rothenstein, the palliative team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Mary Beth (VHA), and Noella and the staff of Taunton Mills for their compassionate care and assistance. Their help enabled Harald to die at home as he wanted. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Sunday, April 3rd from 2 – 5 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciated donations to the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, or the charity of your choice.