November 17, 1916 – December 31, 2003
Harold was born on a farm near Tofield AB and raised in Edmonton. He joined the Royal Bank in 1935, working in various branches throughout Alberta, as he climbed up through the ranks, becoming the youngest manager at that time when he opened the Bonnie Doon Branch in Edmonton. Harold retired from the Royal Bank in Brooks in 1975. He and Dorothy moved to Edmonton a few years later, after a short career as a realtor and investor. Harold was known for his dreams and vision – he had great ideas for golf courses, raising cattle, and buying property- but always ensured that the financial interests of his family were well taken care of.
Harold was with the Royal Bank in Didsbury when he met his future wife, Dorothy Eileen Huget. Dorothy was teaching at a one room schoolhouse in Rosebud at the time. He later proposed to her and married her three days later. They moved to Charlottetown and later Montreal while he completed his training for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Harold served in World War II with the RCAF overseas, stationed in Thornaby England and later Aden in the Middle East. He flew coastal command and convoy escort. He ended his military career as a Flight Lieutenant, returned to his wife Dorothy and his career with the Royal Bank.
Harold became very involved in the community in addition to his work with the Royal Bank. He served as the Chamber of Commerce president in Brooks AB while manager there and was involved in curling, golfing, investment clubs, and the Masonic Lodge. Since retirement, he spent many winters at Thousand Palms, California, enjoying golfing, playing bridge, and outings with friends. Summers were always spent at the cottage at Silver Beach on Pigeon Lake. Most recently he had been living at Canterbury Court and Mewburn Veterans Center.
Harold loved to garden, read, play and watch sports, and give good investment advice. He will be remembered puttering around, mowing the lawn, and
watching the sunsets at the lake. One of his proudest achievements was building the addition on the cottage with his bare hands- not bad for a banker!
He was predeceased by Dorothy (his wife of 61 years, Dec. 11, 1914 – June 10, 2003), his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his children Brian Stackhouse (Donna), Red Deer; Sheila Dallin (Ray), Perth, Australia; Lorna Godin (Joe), Baynes Lake, BC; and Karen Rosborough (Bart), Edmonton; as well as one sister, Kay McDonald, Vancouver, BC. Mourned also by 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorial service to be held at 12 noon on Sat., Jan. 17, 2004 at Riverbend United Church in Edmonton. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
