How does one summarize the full and active life of such a caring, kind, gentle man. Born to Alfred and Clara McCallum Roberts at Winsloe P.E.I. October 13 1920. Harold’s mother passed away when he was 2 so he was sent to live with maternal grandparents. At age 5 the family moved to Trochu Alberta. Another tragedy with the loss of brother Hiebert 2 years older. Schooling took place in Trochu area with only a High School Diploma on the last day of school. Harold found work for a “gassed” WW1 Vet with 1/2 section for $25 a month. In July 1940 Harold enlisted becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Corp of Signals. After 2 weeks training in Barriefield they sailed for England. For a time in Aldershot living in Quonset huts. Many schemes, marches and parades, but Harold always dwelt on the humour in situations.
He loved to visit historic places when on leave. A falling ladder and subsequent hospitalization kept him from joining his 2nd Division mates in the Dieppe raid where 5000 young men lost their lives. His brother Vern did survive. Training continued and eventually the troops marched through Europe through many fierce battles and on to the Liberation of the Netherlands.
Harold received the Bronze Cross and Citation from Queen Wilhelmina and also a citation from King George. Many of Harold’s mates were lost and stayed in that far land under well kept crosses. Harold was discharged in Calgary April 1946 after 5 years and 9 months away. With a handshake they were on their way to civilian life. Some time spent in the area where he met Lois Ross who was working in the drug store at Trochu and they became engaged. A friend came home from the Peace Country and told Harold once you come to the Peace you never leave and he didn’t. He sent for his bride to be and they were married May 22 1948.
A very courageous lady first of all to fly and then leave all her family behind and be married in a strange place. They lived in and around the area where all 5 children were born. Ross 1952, Gail, 1955 Hal, 1960, Bonnie, 1961 and Sandra 1962 Camping, hunting, dogs, gardening, fishing, curling,yearly holiday’s were some of the activities while raising his family. Harold loved to impart knowledge and dole out words of wisdom like Education is something you can always take with you--keep learning.
A positive and optimistic attitude is a must. Harold retired from BC Tel in 1984. Lois passed away in 1991, Sept. 23. and Harold kept the family home for a time, then went to FSJ to be with son Hal and help build his house there. The Legion was an important part of Harold’s life and he was given a life membership in the Dawson Creek Branch. He was also instrumental in starting Ducks Unlimited her in DC 25 years ago. He loved to take his dogs on the spring Greenwing field trips. He also was a Zone Director for the local Seniors for 10 years. Harold still came back to DC to play bridge and met and courted a lady who attended.
Harold and Elenor were married in August 1996 and made the most of those 15 plus years, traveling quite extensively in Canada, US, and Europe. He still had time for dogs and gardens and looked forward to producing cherries this year. Harold and Elenor were on vacation in Texas when Harold became ill. They came back to Abbotsford Hospital, where Harold slipped away peacefully April 7 2011.
All 8 children had been able to visit that last week. Harold’s wisdom and considerate kindhearted nature will be dearly missed by his loving wife Elenor, sons Ross, Hal/Gloria, daughters Gail/Wayne MacLaren, Bonnie/Gerald Taylor. Sandra/Terry Taylor and second family Tim, Brent/Wendy Hofferd, & Ruth Asleson. Grandchildren Trenten & Natalie MacLaren, Kerri/Adam Stoppler, Jamie, Kristen & Jenelle Roberts, Chase, Josh, Chandelle and Nicole Hofferd, Sarah and Miranda Asleson, as well as numerous friend and other extended family. He was predeceased by his first wife Lois and all his siblings.
A memorial service was held on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek, B.C. Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.
250 782-2577 Dawson Creek, British Columbia 1-800 577-4877
