LORNE GEORGE HARVEY

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LORNE GEORGE HARVEY

October 25, 1932 - January 9, 2024

Dad peacefully took his last breath on January 9 in Grace Hospital, surrounded by his family.



He will be deeply mourned but fondly remembered by his wife Annetta, the love of his life; his four daughters, Shannon (Barry), Colleen (Mickey) Sandy and Dana (Brad); his grandchildren, Christopher (Allisson), Tia (Rick), David (Mary-Ann) and Andrew (Kyla); and his precious great-granddaughters, Alexa, Veronica and Briella. He will also be remembered for his great stories and generous nature by his extended family including Stephanie, Hayley and Noel, cousins, nieces and nephews, and former sons-in-law, Doug, Alan and Ken. Dad cherished his family and took much pride in their accomplishments. Of his four girls, however, he was often heard to joke that they were so much trouble that next time he wanted eight boys!



Dad was born in Winnipeg to George and Eileen Harvey. He started out life in a drawer as his first crib in Ashern where his Mom taught school. With his parents and younger sibling, Garth, Dad lived in Elmwood as a boy. The family moved when Dad was a teenager to Kingston Crescent on the Red River in time to experience the Flood of the Century. One of his many stories describes a harrowing boat ride to the upper window of his flooded house to rescue his prized record collection.



Dad and his beloved wife, Annetta, enjoyed 71 years together. In all that time he never missed a birthday or anniversary and his dozen red roses would arrive on schedule. In fact, while in hospital to undergo major heart surgery, his last instruction before going under was to make sure Mom’s flowers were ordered. His first question on waking up was to ask if it had been done. His girls were also thrilled to receive a single rose for various events. Dad was a romantic and a tender soul but also a great fan of his tough guy heroes, especially John Wayne. “Burn me a steak!” was a frequent request to the horror of many Winnipeg chefs. He was a devoted music lover with a large collection of his favourite records. He had a beautiful singing voice and was often heard dueting with his beloved Ann.



Although he often joked that he was retired as long as he worked, he did in fact enjoy a very successful career as a salesman. He was the recipient of many awards and enjoyed VIP status throughout his career. In his leisure time he built memories for his kids at his cottage in Loni Beach, in his backyard pool, and camping in Bemidji and the Oasis. Later on in Gimli he was a proud crewman on his son-in-law’s sailboat. Upon his retirement he and Mom spent many years as snowbirds travelling throughout the States. Dad was a master storyteller and his Vegas years are legendary. He was often accompanied on his exploits by his favourite couples, Garth and Cathie and Babs and Dave.

The family would gratefully like to acknowledge the extraordinary care and compassion shown by Dr. Zabolotny and the doctors and nurses of Grace Hospital Ward 4 South. They made Dad’s final hours as comfortable as possible for him and the large number of family members who flooded his room. In lieu of a funeral, Dad was celebrated by his girls in his final hours. Although heavily sedated, his toes tapped as his wife and daughters danced to his favourite singer, Frank Sinatra, crooning New York New York.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024