Words were his craft. The loss of words truly impacted the days before death released him from the immobility and silence of a massive stroke.
As a son and brother, words shared heritage and taught a myriad of useful skills on the rural family farm in Charing Cross, Ontario.
As a minister, words provided guidance and comfort, wisdom and humour as he preached his way westward from Macklin Sask., to Okotoks and Red Deer, Alta. to North Vancouver, Kamloops and Gabriola Island, BC.
As husband to his beautiful bride Nancy Caverhill, words written and spoken gave witness to a complete devotion that lasted until death parted them in 2017.
As a neighbour, words spoken over coffee, tea or cocoa forged friendships that lasted beyond time and distance.
As a member of the community his voice rang out in musical theatre and choir, politics and occasionally on the golf course.
As a father, uncle and grandfather, his words crafted stories of beloved-ness, particularly marvelling at the way his great grandson was learning to use words.
Words completely fail to express the breadth and meaning of Harold Jenner’s life, but all who knew him can speak to his being a good man.
A service to remember Harold takes place 1:30pm Saturday, August 21 at Lynn Valley United Church (3201 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver)- with live-streaming available for out of town friends and family and those uncomfortable with in-person meeting just yet. Find details at www.lynnvalleychurch.com. Masks are not required, but recommended for anyone who has not been fully vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers, please share your own words of how you knew and remembered Harold. As a minister, Harold told stories each week to help people recognize the divine at work in the everyday- around 2000 different ideas (not counting weddings or funerals) in his 40+ years of ministry. There is no one person, not even Nancy, who heard every story or attended every service he presided over. In the same way, Harold’s kin cannot know about every relationship or connection point between Harold and you. Each of us has a unique connection to Harold be it as family or friend, co-worker or travel companion, neighbour or congregant… your stories will help us know Harold more fully. (Pictures are also welcome, as they tell stories, too!). The Lynn Valley United Church website (listed above) has a form to submit stories, or you can use the guest book here.
Special thanks to the compassionate and caring staff of Nanaimo General Hospital and Nanaimo Palliative Care and the North Shore Hospice, who made it possible for family to be at Harold's side until the end.
For those on Gabriola Island, a second service will take place on Wednesday, August 25th at 2pm at the Gabriola Community Hall, 2200 South Road, with limited seating and covid protocols for the region in place.
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