HOSKIN, HARRY JAMES Harry James Hoskin, 88, passed away peacefully in the QEII Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, March 16, 2008. Born in Halifax on March 20, 1919, Harry was the son of the late Stanford and Mabel (Young) Hoskin. Harry attended school in Halifax, graduating from the Halifax Academy in 1937. Throughout his life, Harry received a great deal of pleasure from sports and athletic events, through participation as an official and as a spectator. During his teens, Harry was the reigning Diving Champion of the Maritimes for several years and then became a diving official. He also competed in gymnastics, rugby, swimming and track and field events. Harry took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren as they followed in his athletic footsteps. He served in the Militia both before and after the Second World War. He was a decorated war veteran, having served overseas with the Artillery and the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, being wounded in 1945. Harry retired from the services in 1978 with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. In 2002, he was honoured by receiving the Netherlands Commemorative Medal by the Dutch Government for taking part in the liberation of that country during the Second World War. Harry started his work career in his teens at William Stairs Sons and Morrow. After more than 40 years with the company, he retired in 1978 as General Manager of the Plumbing and Heating Division, and co-owner of the company. Following his retirement, he worked with CESO, assisting Native communities throughout Nova Scotia. He was a member and Director of the YMCA, chairman of the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Nova Scotia, Life Member of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, Member of the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia, Past President of the Halifax Commercial Club and Past President of the Golden-K Kiwanis Club of Halifax, member of the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy No. 27, raised to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 2 in May 1951, 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rite, Noble Philae Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. Harry was presented with his 20 Year Service Award for volunteering from the IWK Board of Directors. He was a member of Edgewood Oxford Street United Church in Halifax. He enjoyed several hobbies and interests, especially oil painting and fly fishing. As time went on, his love for sport fishing, especially with his wife, Helen, became an adventurous passion which they both enjoyed into their 80's. Harry is survived by his sister, Adelaide Gregoire, Scotch Village; son, David (Joan) Hoskin, Halifax; daughters, Diane (Charles) Ramsey, Fredericton, NB; Patty (Al Bergin) Hoskin, Lakeview; Kathy (Blair) Gough, Lower Sackville; granddaughters, Dr. Patti (Priscilla) Ramsey and their children, Hannah and Gabriel, New Maryland, NB; Dr. Suzanne (Dr. Conrad Fernandez) and their children, Nicholas and Caroline, Halifax; grandsons, Sean (Barbie MacDonald) and their daughter Elizabeth, Halifax; Dr. Aaron (Dr. Alicia Kam) Hoskin, New Orleans, Ont; Christopher (Jill) Ramsey and their daughters, Annabel and Julia, Fredericton, NB; Matt (Jill) Patterson and their children, Emily and Matthew, Lakeview; Blake (Amy) Patterson and their sons, Lucas and Eli, Bedford; Robert (Bonnie) Gough, Bedford; Michael (Tara) Gough, Red Deer, Alta; stepgrandson, Trevor (Dawn) Close and their children Kyle, Kaitlyn and Emily, Mount Uniacke; stepgranddaughter, Melanie Close and by his nieces and nephews. He felt very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to meet Anne and her parents and her sons, Alexander and Steven. Harry was married to Helen Ada Dooks for 60 years before she passed away in 2003. He was also predeceased by his sister, Helen Rose and stepgrandson, Robert Close. Harry was a hero to many and a role model to all for his integrity, kindness, compassion and love of life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.