Date de Décès: 2006-04-16
Date de Parution: 2006-04-21
Source: Calgary Herald, AB
HOLEHA Harold Michael September 5, 1913 - April 16, 2006 Harold Holeha was born September 5, 1913 in Zvenigorodka, Ukraine to parents, Maria Kislanko and Harisha Holeha. After becoming an orphan at a young age, and witnessing the political instability of his native country, he and his brother Walter decided to immigrate to Canada and start a new life. On October 19, 1928,they set sail on the Montrose, arriving in Montreal, Canada. Harold and Walter traveled to Consul, Saskatchewan, where they worked on the farm of their Uncle John Kislanko for three years. During that time, Harold met the love of his life, Vera Syverson, whom he married on September 24, 1940. They lived briefly in Vancouver, before purchasing a farm in Rolling Hills, Alberta in 1949. In 1961, Harold and Vera moved to Brooks, Alberta, where they lived at home together until his passing. Harold worked briefly in a lumberyard, built three homes in Brooks, including his own, and lay carpet in many more. He was a dedicated member of The Order of the Eastern Star, The Masonic Order and The Shriners. As a result, Vera and Harold had the opportunity to travel together and see the world. Harold was also a proud member of the Brooks Town Council, where he contributed greatly to the betterment of the community. Harold's mission in life was to provide well for his family, and anyone else who came into his home. Food, and plenty of it, was the rule. He was a generous, honest and dedicated man with a sense of humor that made those around him smile, even when he was administering them a thorough "skunking" in crib. Crib and playing cards was big with Harold. His grandchildren were taught to play at an early age, and enjoyed playing against grandpa through the years. The evening prior to his passing, he played his last game with his daughter Iona, and as usual, won. He pegged out and then a few hours later, Harold quietly "Pegged Out". Harold is survived and remembered by his wife of sixty-five years, Vera; his daughters, Iona Moore of Campbell River, BC and Marilyn (Paul) Kieran of Sherwood Park, AB; four grandchildren, Chad Moore (Janna) of Calgary, Jana Moore of Ottawa, Gerry (Paul) O'Riordan of Edmonton, and Dan (Maureen) Kieran of Sidney, Australia; four great-grandchildren, Emma and Declan O'Riordan, and Seamus and Grayson Kieran. He was predeceased by his brother Walter Holeha of Maple Creek, SK and his furry friend Motley. A Private Family Service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2006 in Brooks, AB. Condolences may be emailed directly to the family at: hholeha@hotmail.com. Arrangements are in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Phone: 1-403-362-4636 or Toll Free: 1-866-362-4652.