January 11, 1920
- July 6, 2009
- July 6, 2009
It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of George (Trapper) Harries on Monday, July 6, 2009 at the age of 89 years. Trapper was born and raised in Wayne, Alberta until 1939 when he left at the age of 19 to join the Canadian Army. He was shipped off to England in 1940 and took part in and survived the Dieppe Raid in 1942. Trapper was extremely proud of his military accomplishments during WW II. At the war’s end in 1945 he returned to the Drumheller Valley where he worked in the coal mines for the next 13 years while living in Wayne, East Coulee and Western Monarch. In 1946 he married the love of his life Marjorie Mitchell and later had two children, Cherie and John. In 1958, as the coal mines were closing, Trapper was fortunate to secure employment with the fledgling Alberta Gas Trunk Line Company (which became Nova Corporation and then TCPL) and the family moved to Brooks. They were excited about this move and Trapper and Marj enjoyed their new lifestyle which continued to include curling, square dancing and camping. In 1963 Trapper was transferred to Calgary by Nova. They built a new house in Southview and lived there for the rest of their lives. Trapper & Marj spent their summer vacations travelling through B.C. with their trailer visiting relatives and favorite camping sites. After working for Nova for 27 years, he retired in 1985 so he & Marj could pursue a new chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, Trapper lost Marj to ovarian cancer in October, 1986 which was the most devastating loss in his lifetime. His life going forward included golfing, swimming three times a week at the Inglewood Pool and deep sea fishing off the Queen Charlottes. He loved taking cruises with friends and often wished he and Marj had taken a cruise together. Trapper will be greatly missed and cherished by his children Cherie (David) Palmer and John Harries; by his grandchildren Crystal (Andy) Prout, Deanna (Cam) Guimont and Audrey (Rob) Sannachan and four precious great-grandchildren. Trapper will also be greatly missed by his special sister-in-law Carol Harries and her children Mary and Donna and their families; as well as his nephews Blackie (Sheila) Palmiere and Bruce (Sonja) Palmiere and niece Caroline Palmiere and their families. Trapper will also be missed and remembered by his sisters-in-law Joyce Joslin and Eileen Mitchell and their families as well as other extended family and many friends and neighbours. Trapper was predeceased by all nine of his brothers and sisters, five of whom perished as infants. Flowers are gratefully declined and if friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice. Our sincere gratitude and appreciation goes out to all the staff at Carewest Glenmore Park, One East Unit for their exceptional care and compassion during Trapper’s short stay with them. A Memorial Service was held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. To email expressions of sympathy: mountainview@arbormemorial.com Subject heading: George Harries. Arrangements entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery 1605 - 100 Street SE (17 Avenue SE at Garden Road). Calgary, AB. Telephone 403-272-5555 www.mountainviewmemorial.ca
