Harold Joseph Alexander

As a life-long fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Harold Joseph Alexander understood the value of hard work, hope, persistence, and faith under adversity. A beloved caregiver of family and forests, Harold was a determined man who beat the odds and more than once. Harold passed unexpectedly on Sept. 20 at the age of 70 while traveling to his birthplace of Kippens, NL.

In the 1970s, while studying for a degree in forestry at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, a professor had told Harold and his classmates they should marry nurses. A job took Harold to Digby, NS for “only a couple of years”, but he found the love of his life and never left. As it turned out, Meredith Cleveland was a registered nurse. They married on Dec. 19, 1981.

The couple went on to have three children: Megan, Liam and Rebecca. Harold was a remarkable father who always had advice for his kids, whether they wanted it or not. He also made time for them and would try to squeeze 25 hours into every day, because he had so much to offer; not just to his children, but to the community around them.

He spent his entire career working with his hands in the woods, running a sawmill and managing woodlots in Digby area with his other life partner, in business, Brian Thomas. Harold was an admired forester, whose ideas helped shape the industry in NS. His employees and those in the sector looked up to him as a leader who could also make beautiful lumber that was used in the construction of many homes in the area.

Harold left everyone he encountered better off than they had been before they met him. And it is fitting that his last act was one of kindness, giving three people a new lease on life through organ donations.

Harold loved to volunteer. He was an advocate for those in need, an active member of his church community and a lifelong coach for youth sports. Harold taught generations of kids the importance of fair play and good sportsmanship, often seen with a vehicle full of the kids he coached.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love in his wife Meredith; children, Megan Wilcott (Justin Strong) and first granddaughter-to-be, Liam Alexander (Brea Desaulniers), Rebecca Comeau (Jordan); siblings, Arch (Jeannie), Greg (Rosemarie), Bill (Linda), Kevin (Elaine), David (Patty), Gerard, Cleveland-in-laws, many treasured nieces, nephews, adored grand puppies and so many cherished lifelong and new friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, William & Melinda Alexander, and his son-in-law, Brian Wilcott.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6-8pm at Jayne's Funeral Home, 15 Birch Street, Digby. A funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Digby on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 11am. A private family burial will be followed by a gathering at the Digby curling club 3-7pm, all are welcome. No flowers are requested, but donations are welcome to support the Digby and Area Housing Coalition Society (https://digbyhousing.ca/donate/), and St. Patrick’s Community Kitchen (Donate to St. Patrick's church and direct funds to community kitchen).