Harrison, John Douglas – Age 88, of Lantz, Halifax Co. After a lengthy and confusing journey with vascular dementia/Alzheimer's, dad passed away peacefully with family by his side on November 3, 2016, in Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, Eastern Passage, where he and his wife started their married life and family. Born in Dartmouth, Dad was the youngest son of the late William and Grace (Webber) Harrison.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Harriet (Yetter); son, Brian (Pam), West St. Andrews; daughters, Janet (Steve) Cloutier, Orleans, Ont.; Patricia, Dartmouth; and Linda (Patrick) Pickles, Lantz (all two years apart with all the girls being born in March); grandchildren, Helena and Miriam Harrison, Halifax; Tyler (Alex Carroll), Cheese Factory Corner and Samuel Turner, Dartmouth; Charlotte (Steven) Lomond, Lantz, and Jennifer (Joel) Laffin, Stewiacke; great-granddaughter, Jazmyn Laffin, Stewiacke; niece, Elizabeth Ann (Richard) LaPierre; and nephew, John (Lorna) Craig. Predeceased by his parents; brothers, Burton (Betty) Harrison, Lawrence Harrison, and sister, Francis (Mike) Craig; grandson, Michael Douglas Pickles; nephew, Thomas Harrison and niece, Sharon (Craig) Bartlett.
While he attended Park School, he started his working career at a young age, delivering newspapers before school started. Then on to delivering milk by horse, wagon and sleigh throughout Dartmouth for Woodlawn Dairy. After working several years as a clerk at Moffatt's Drug Store, Dartmouth, he went on to have a career as an airframe technician with Fairey Aviation, Eastern Passage and IMP Aerospace until retirement in 1990. Dad spent many years involved with St. Peter's Anglican Church in Eastern Passage where he served as a warden and where he also organized a youth club. He loved to travel, camp and meet people and did so on many journeys with his family from coast to coast. He fulfilled his dream by repeating this journey again with Mom in their VW Camper. He loved working with his hands, fixing, building and growing things. He was most famous for his handcrafted wooden tugboats. Dad was also well known for his love of family, genealogy, history and great conversation. He knew everybody, and if he didn't he would get to know them. He compared people to books and loved to open them up and hear their story. This gift, as well as many others, he has passed on to his family. Thank you Dad. xx.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the care staff at home, Parkland Bradford Hall and, lastly, Ocean View Continuing Care Centre. Thank you for treating Dad as your own, with your love and care, especially during the last few months. You are all special people.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. There will be no visitation or service, by request. A reception and celebration of Dad's life will be held by the family on Saturday, November 12th in Christ Church Hall, 61 Dundas St., Dartmouth from 2-4 p.m.; please come to share stories.
Memorial donations may be made to charity of choice or St. George's Anglican Church (cemetery fund) Dutch Settlement.
