Harry Barber passed away peacefully on October 1, 2019. He lived 99 years. Harry was born in Sheffield England in 1920. He was one of three children one brother and one sister. When Harry was a young adult the second world war was underway and little did he know that the love of his life had similar plans to join in with English forces and set off to Europe and unafraid and proud to represent his country in the Western world.
The war came to an end with Harry having been stationed from France to Italy to northern Egypt and then back to Italy.
Christmas time in 1947 Harry being employed in London boarded a bus to return home for the holidays. The bus was crowded but by happenstance the seat next to him became vacant. A young woman appeared and asked if the seat was available. Norah Coyle also have no idea that she was meeting the love of her life. Six months later they were married, flew to America, arriving in New York and on to Edmonton
They went on to raise their four children. Harry was employed by the Hudson‘s Bay Company for 35 years.
Harry and Norah’s retirement years were filled with children grandchildren, church, friends and travel. The annual Barber-Q brought family together every summer on Bowen Island.
After Norah’s passing in 2013 Harry continued to be very active. His daily 5 kilometre walks and chair yoga classes, caring staff and friends kept up his strength and appetite while enjoying senior living at The Legasy into his 99th year.
Harry was loved by every person who had the good fortune to know him. His life was filled with purpose and family and Harry will be deeply missed by his children and their families which include many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Harry's life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Monday, October 7th at 10:30 am.