Harold PROVEN

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PROVEN: There was peace in the Little Saskatchewan River Valley, as the sun rose July 16, 2013 when Harold Ernest Proven died. He was surrounded by his family, in the place he loved best! Harold was born January 15, 1926 in the Fairmount District. So began the life of a man who touched the lives of so many people. He was the youngest of six children born to Fred and Hazel Proven. Harold was only four months old when his father died, leaving his mother, Hazel to raise Stan, Elmor, Helen, Margaret, Jim and Harold. Harold was the last of his generation. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Isabella, five sons, Garry (Debra), David, Randall, Richard (Amy) and Douglas (Cindy), ten grandchildren, Kerry (Tim), Bronwyn, Danika, Timothy, Gena, Evan, Ayma, Donald (Roselle), Michael and Jonathon, six great grandchildren, Ashley, Victoria, Kyla, Brooklyn, Taner and Mason, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He received his education at Basswood. Harold took his army basic training then returned to Basswood to begin work with a local carpenter, Tom Hymers. So began his love of woodworking. He received his certificate in Cabinet Making at the Manitoba Technical Institute and then worked with Musselwhite Woodworking in Minnedosa. Harold was a finishing carpenter at Rivers Base for two years. In 1950 Harold and Isabella relocated to Melita, where Harold established his own Cabinet Making Shop. In 1954 they moved to Calgary, where Harold obtained his Journeyman Carpenter certification. In 1960 Harold and Isabella moved their family back to Basswood becoming the third generation of Provens on NE 3-16-19. Harold began farming and continued to build homes and do cabinetry. He was a trustee of the Basswood School Board and a Councilor with Harrison Municipality and Minnedosa Hospital Board for six years. He served on the Basswood United Church Board and was very involved in the Onanole Seniors Centre. Harold was a charter member of Local 516 of the National Farmers Union, serving as local Vice-President, District 6 Director and was elected to the National Board and National Executive as Region Five Coordinator for four years. Harold was an activist, advocate for peace, social justice and human rights. Lifelong involvements included Project Ploughshares, Marquis Project, Tools for Peace, Eco-justice and the Council of Canadians. His travels took him to China, Cuba and across Canada from Ottawa to Vancouver Island. Harold was the recipient of several awards, which included, the Global Citizenship Award and the National Farmers Union Grassroots Leadership Citation for loyal service to the farm union movement. Harold and Isabella retired to Onanole in 1990 to the home that Harold and his sons built. His double garage became his workshop. There he spent many happy hours making diamond willow canes, stools, tables and numerous items from a variety of wood in his shop. Clocks and picture frames were crafted from wood recycled from the old barn at the farm. His generosity found many of these items given as gifts with the signature H.E.P. A celebration of Harold’s life took place July 27, 2013 at the home of son, David. If desired, donations may be made in Harold’s name to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB. R3C 0S6 or to a charity of your choice. Love Is Forever

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 10, 2013