It is with great sorrow that the family announces the death of Haddie, who passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2017, in hospice care at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
A unique soul has left this earth. Haddie wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctor`s orders, and raising hell for more than 9 decades. Until the day he died, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, beer, sports, dancing and singing (not necessarily in that order). His work here is now done and he has moved on for a reunion with family and friends who he has not seen for a long time.
Haddie was born October 28, 1921, in Port Arthur, Ontario. He grew up in Current River, right next to the great outdoors. Haddie married Phyllis Colbens on October 7, 1944. Together, they raised a loving family of 6 children in the same neighborhood where he grew up. For over 40 years, Haddie worked for the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company, occasionally alongside his father, brothers and sons. He was actively involved with the development and activities of the original Current River Recreation Centre, including all aspects of sports and family events. Haddie also loved skiing (especially ski jumping!). He was particularly fond of the sport of hockey - playing as a young man, and later coaching the Current River Comets and Port Arthur Bearcats. “Hockey Night in Canada,” always found him on the couch fixed to the game. Throughout his life he enjoyed many happy times on the Sibley peninsula with family and friends. In 1970 he purchased a camp at Silver Islet which became his new playground spending countless hours making it into a very special place for him and his family.
Harold is survived by his children Norman (Joan) Duke, Richard (Gayle) Duke, Norma (Peter) Skok, Patty (Bill) Garrioch, John (Joan) Duke, and Sidney (Debbie) Duke. Harold was a wonderful and loving grandfather to his 12 grandchildren – becoming a great-grandfather several times over and a great-great grandfather as well. He will be dearly missed by his family, including his many nieces, nephews and their families; his many friends; and the Silver Islet community.
Harold was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis; father James; mother Elba; sister Cecilia; brothers Sydney, Roland, Robert (Bob), James (Jim), William (Bill), Thomas (Tom), Norman, and Edward (Ted); and grandson Shannon.
The family would like to thank the staff that made him so comfortable during his stay there. The family would also like to thank the staff at the TBRHSC who cared for him over the last month, and the staff of Jasper Place who kept a watchful eye over him for the past 15 years.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. We will celebrate his life after the service between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 229 Van Norman Street.
If friend’s desire, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 5, Building fund.
