The family of Harold Hartley is deeply saddened to announce his passing on February 23, 2015.
Harold Hartley was born on August 16, 1926 in Maple Creek Saskatchewan. Harold spent his early years as a prairie cowboy, breaking horses with his family. At age 17, Harold enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He would share stories with his family about his journey around the world, protecting the flat top ships in the navy and working as a quartermaster where had the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill and Eisenhower. He traveled to places such as Egypt, the Philippines, Mediterranean, Malta, Scotland, Australia and South Carolina to name a few (these are the locations that Grandpa shared stories about but we are sure there were many more locations perhaps with stories not suitable for grandchildren).
Harold met his wife Kitty while in the navy. They both shared the same birthday. When he first met Kitty she played a practical joke on him; pretending to be an officer, she had Harold moving furniture for her. They met later that night at a dance, and their courtship began. They lit up one another’s lives for 58 years, marrying on January 26, 1946. Kitty passed away June 16, 2004.
Together their journey took them to many destinations including Maple Creek, Calgary, Delbourne, Sundry, Greenwood, Victoria, Quesnel, Goldbridge and Leo Creek. From 1965 on Quesnel became the Hartley’s home base. Harold, with the help of Kitty raised his younger siblings Darrel, Larry and Sheela. Together they would travel to rodeos across the country and Harold would always tell the most animated and colourful stories of their many adventures.
Harold was very proud of his “girls” Darlene (Ron) Rhode, Nancy (Jim) Oakes, Linda Hartley and Bridget (Miron) Croy and his grandchildren Joanne Lane ( Kevin ) , Carmen Lane (Michael), Toby Oakes, Coralee Oakes, Terri-Lyne Brennan ( John), Wanda Lund (Dave) and Carri-Anne (Don) Kehler.
Harold was also proud of his great-grandchildren Vanessa, Rexanna, Kylie, Sara-Jo, Darian, Delany, Nicholas, Samantha, Josh, Shaylynn, Taylor, Mathew, Jordan, Dallas, Tayea, Reece and he was even able to welcome 3 great great grandchildren, Nathan, McKenzie & Lelynd.
Harold was a passionate volunteer and worked hard to build the Quesnel rodeo club, serving
as its first president
and an active member his entire life. He was looking forward to the Quesnel rodeo celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Harold was known throughout the rodeo circuit for his ability to ride his 8 seconds calmly with a cigarette in his mouth and his cowboy hat always firmly in place.
Harold also loved politics. He believed in the responsibility we all have to get involved and to make a difference. He was active in the reform party and was a strong Socred working with Alex Fraser. He was proud of his ruby volunteer pin. He later turned his attention to supporting the BC Liberals and helped on the campaign of his granddaughter. He would quote, “you have to make your own luck.”
Harold was met at the end of his journey by his loving wife Kitty, his grandson Lance, his brothers Larry and Darrel and his parents Hazel and Buck.
The family would like to thank Dr. Derkson and everyone at Dunrovin for their care and friendship.
A celebration of life will
be held at the rodeo grounds at a later date.