February 17, 1929 – February 4, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Harold Wilson at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on February 4, 2021, with family by his side. Dad was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on February 17, 1929.
It is so difficult to sum up the amazing life of an incredible man in a few short paragraphs. Dad was larger than life, with a smile that lit up the room and, at the end, hid the pain. Dad was intelligent and creative. You could often find him in his garden, out in the yard or creating something in his woodworking room, reading a good western book, watching a western movie, or doing puzzles. His love for the outdoors took him on many adventures, camping and fishing. Dad also loved to travel, visiting and exploring new sites across Canada, USA, and in earlier years to warmer destinations,on his travels, dad always found a casino along the way to enjoy.
Dad was not a stranger to hard work. He grew up on a farm where he learned a wealth of valuable skills. He began his paid career at a young age working cutting peat moss in the Fort Frances area. From there, he followed his passion for forestry and worked as a logger and equipment operator throughout northwestern Ontario. In 1956 he married his first love Susan Geary and moved to Kenora to continue his career and start their family. Here he worked for Jack Edwards Diamond Drilling and later for the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company in the woodlands division. Following that, he went into business with his two best friends, Lorne Roulston and Donny Roulston, and opened R&W Timber, Skookum Bay Logging and Wilardo Logging in Ear Falls and Red Lake Ontario. Dad was always happiest when he was surrounded by trees. Even before he opened timber companies, he always had an operating sawmill and planer in his backyard. After retiring and the loss of mom, dad reunited with his childhood sweetheart Irene Roulston and were married. Dad was always like part of the Roulston family and many hours were spent back and forth between the two homes. Irene and dad were blessed with 18 years of continued love and 16 years of marriage.
Left to mourn his loss, dad is survived by his loving wife Irene Wilson, daughters Phyllis (Darryl) Eikre and Haroldeen (Martin) Wilson-Pinchbeck and his son Frank Wilson. Also survived by his stepdaughters Barb (Bruce) Pentney, Cheryl Nault, Marilyn Allan and Sandra Allan and stepson Bobby (Lisa) Allan. Dad is also survived by his grandchildren whom he adored to the fullest Dylan Eikre (Carly), Kayla (Filip) Eikre-Topalovski, Franklin (Jessica) Wilson, Thomas (TJ) Wilson, Tia Wilson, Bridgit Hayes (Chris), Shyler Rodrigues (Holly), Jordan Allan (Shanda), Julie Palidwar (Paul), Richard Pentney (Jacquie), Crystal Bruyere (Mark), Jesse Nault (Katie), Tommy Allan, Calvin Allan (Tessa). Survived by his great grandchildren Clarissa Wilson, Miley Eikre, Conor Topalovski, Brandon and Kaden Kocuiba, Brooklin Hayes, Zander Allan, Everley Nault, Paige Palidwar, Dannah, Cade and Madden Pentney. Dad is also survived by brother in laws Donny Roulston (Anna), Gary Roulston (Tammy), Ed (Linda) Geary and sister in laws Annette Roulston, Gail Sillery, Doreen Kingsley, Jean Geary and many nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by his first wife Susan Wilson, his parents Pearl and Frederick Wilson, Susan’s parents Susan and Thomas Geary and Irene’s parents Mary and Leroy Roulston and his beloved grandson Renie Whiting. He was also predeceased by his sister Peggy Derendorf and brother Bill Wilson, sisters in law Nellie Derouard, Elsie Ball, May Swartman, Pansy Geary, Hilda Geary, Doreen Geary, Helen Geary and brothers in law Jack Geary, Mick Geary, Hugh Geary, Lawrence Derouard, Donald Ball, Lorne Roulston, Alvin Roulston, Rudy Roulston and Allan Roulston.
Dad was blessed throughout his life to be loved by so many people. Wherever he went, he made friends. His easy-going personality and wide welcoming smile gave him an easy welcome everywhere.
The family would like to thank Doctor Dooley, Char Melillo and the wonderful staff of ICU and 3rd East at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. Thanks to Pastor Quast, Pastor Borchardt, family and friends for prayers and comforting words at this difficult time. God Bless you all.
“I Am the Lord.. I Will Take You By The Hand And Keep You”
Isaiah 42:6
A Graveside Service will take place at Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. Due to Covid-19, please know this public graveside will be structured to protect yourself and staff during this time and attendance must be scheduled prior to. Please call the family at (807) 466-1726 to confirm a seat. Masks are a requirement and must be worn at all times and social distancing measures will be in effect. Thank-you for your cooperation.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.
On-line condolences at www. Brownfuneralhomekenora.com.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with funeral arrangements.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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