It is with a heavy heart but a lifetime of treasured memories that we announce the passing of our much-loved Husband, Father, Grampa, Uncle, Brother and Friend Harold McIlwain. The long-time Vulcan resident lost his hard fought battle with lung cancer (Pleural mesothelioma) on April 10th, 2020 at the Vulcan hospital at the age of 80.
Harold joins his predeceased parents Hester and William McIlwain, sister Judy Sproule and brother Emerald McIlwain in Heaven.
Harold was born April 29, 1939 in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. The Love of Harold’s Life (Shirl) was with him every step of his journey to Heaven. Harold left our family with incredible faith and his wisdom and stories will live on through his two sons Darcy (Jody) McIlwain and Warren (Michele) McIlwain; four grandchildren Chad, Brock, Shae and Oakley. Harold will also be sadly missed by his brother Jim (Gay) McIlwain and numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends that had the privilege of knowing this kind, noble and gentle man.
Due to COVID-19 conditions there will be a “Celebration of his Life” announced at a later date.
Shirley and Family would sincerely like to Thank the caring and compassionate staff at the Vulcan hospital and Sue and the wonderful Vulcan United Church family.
Memorial Tributes in memory of Harold could be made to either Vulcan United Church Memorial Fund, Box 275, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0 or the charity of your choice.
Vulcan Funeral Home is caring for Harold, telephone 403-485-2633 or www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Certaining thinking of you Shirley it’s a trying time but just have to care of yourself now!!
So sorry to hear of your loss Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this hard time. May the good memories comfort you all. Blessings. Janet. (connolly) and Gary Martin.
Hi Shirley. Thinking of you, Warren and Darcy with your grief. Yes you have good memories of Harold and so do I with the good years at Crown. Bill Strand
I am so sorry for your loss, Shirley and family. Loved this guy so much when we were growing up. He was such a tease and so much fun. Such a tough time in our history to say goodbye to him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss. With love, your cousin, Jean (Hunter) Beveridge.
Hi Shirley. Thinking of you, Warren and Darcy with your grief. Yes you have good memories of Harold and so do I with the good years at Crown. Bill Strand
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and the family. Sending my sympathies to all the family. He will be missed by all. Take care
Shirley, Warren, Darcy and families,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We send our deepest sympathy to you all for Harold’s passing. We know he will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Shirley and family from
Irene and Eric and Joyce
Condolences Shirley and family on the loss of your husband, father and grandpa. Harold had a way of making everyone he met feel welcome and went out of his way to making them feel special. I’m certain he is up in heaven rejoicing with family and friends and sharing his latest story or joke!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Shirley. His sense of humour and the smile that made everyone feel like a friend will be missed by many, myself included. You were both very kind to everyone and we pray for peace and comfort for you. Love Art and Betty Frey (nee Tempany)
My most sincere condolences. This world has lost a gentle soul that was loved by many but none more than Shirley, Warren and Darcy.
I’m not sure who wrote the obituary however I am one that has had “the privilege of knowing this kind, noble and gentle man.” Even though it had been many years since we had visited, I called Harold a little over a year ago, the end of February, early in the morning. We chatted like no time had passed at all. Harold felt blessed and that was apparent in everything he said and did.
I wish you peace and hope you are comforted with many fond memories. This is a difficult time to have the loss of a loved one compounded with all the restrictions of visiting during this pandemic. Please take care and it sounds like those that are close by will be reaching out. Much love to you all.
Shirley, Alf and I want you to know that we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our condolences, and know that we are here for you, do not hesitate to reach out to us especially during this difficult time.
Jennifer and I were so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. We have such fond memories of him from our time at Renfrew United Church in Calgary. We will remember you in our prayers, Shirley and family, during this difficult time. Much love to you all, and God’s peace be with you. Blessings, Judy and Jennifer
Shirley & Family. We were so sorry to read about Harolds passing. He was a true gentleman & I very much enjoyed his sense of humor. He loved to get one over us at the Eye Clinic & I can hear his laugh even now. Your in my thoughts & prayers. Rest in Peace Harold.
There is a reason that, from a young age, those dearest to us (whether they are related to us or not) are referred to as Aunt and Uncle by us, by our children – we trust them, we seek comfort in our relationship and we simply can’t imagine “family” without them in it.
For me, family has always included you my dear Aunt Shirley and Uncle Harold. Every birthday, every holiday, every special occasion, and some days that were not occasions at all but you visited just the same. Every endeavor I embarked on – from trying to replicate a family recipe to starting my own family – every step of the way you have been there together, supporting me – the way you have supported each other all these years. You wrap people around you in kind, gentle support – never judging, always helping. For this we thank you, for these reason, I love you.
Uncle Harold – i can’t imagine never seeing you again, never hearing you laugh, never feeling your hugs. Thank you for all the years you were there for me, for us, for my family. Darwyn and Lexi will remember a kind, gentle giving person that welcomed them (and oh…the days on the farm playing with animals and picking raspberries, riding the gator and a mud bath or two!). I hope they have an opportunity to know what it is to be an Aunt and an Uncle and I know that when they do – it will look like what both of you have modeled for them.
We miss you. Love Kim, Ryan, Darwyn and Lexi.
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Many happy memories over the past 30 years. We ‘re here for you, Shirley.
Our deepest sympathy to you Shirley, Warren, Darcy and families on your loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather. R.I.P. Harold
So sorry for your loss, may Harold rest in peace. Thinking of you and your family Michelle.