Obituary of Harold Black

BLACK: Harold Arnold Black passed away on May 25th, 2014 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 85 years. Harold was born to Carl and Grace Black December 7th, 1928 in Dauphin, MB. He was predeceased by his brothers Reg and Herman. He leaves behind his beautiful bride, Phyllis, of 63 years; daughter Debbie (Rick) and grandchildren Lisa (Andy) and great grandchildren Elena and Dominic; daughter Kathy (Melvin) and grandchildren Tammy (Lee), Bobby Jo (Russ) and great grandchildren Chelcie, Dylin and Ella. Also surviving are in-laws Ann (Ed), Gladys (Norm), Linda, and Gertie and numerous nieces and nephews. As a young man, Harold started out as a farm hand at Hunter Aitken's farm in Grandview, where he met and married the love of his life, Phyllis, who worked there as well. On May 16th, 1951, they were married. He later worked at Delby's Bakery in Grandview. The family recalls him telling the story of him mixing a batch of bread and letting it rise. He then couldn't find the thermometer. He realized it must have been accidently mixed in with the dough. He didn't know what to do except to throw the whole batch out. Needless to say, the boss was not impressed!! After that incident, he came to the conclusion that he was not meant to be a baker, so he ventured out and ended up moving to Dauphin and working at Branders' Garage. Through time his two daughters were born, Kathy and Debbie. He decided in order to make a better life for his family that he would take a Radio and TV Technician course through correspondence. Once completed, he applied and started at PA Kennedy's in Brandon. He went on to work at Brandon Co-op, retired from there, and then started Harold's TV. He worked from his house, later renovating part of his garage into a workshop. Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling and took different trips which included trips to the West Coast, a trip to the East Coast, Disney World, Branson, Alaska and California, to name a few. His real passion was Music. Harold played the fiddle, piano, guitar and the mouth organ! He attended and played at the Austin Threshermen's Reunion for a number of years, as well as Music in the Park. You would also see him participate in Jam Sessions in and around the Brandon area, in Saskatchewan, as well as North Dakota. Years ago, Dad even made his own records, 78's, one with his brother Herman and one with his sister-in-law, Gladys. "You & Me Together Life's a Pleasure" and "Shu, Shu, Shu Shalala" are songs that are etched in his girls' memories. "Lessons in life aren't always spoken; sometimes they are simply learned by actions. Harold loved life and made the best of everyday. His patience, commitment to family and unconditional love taught his children to know how precious each day is. He was never about the grand things, life was simple. He was a provider and happiness was determined not by riches found in dollars, but rather, found by the commitment to Family and Friends." Memories are forever. It was seldom that Kathy was bad. Once though, she was being scolded and Harold threatened to take his belt off to spank her. Mom said in the background "Your pants are going to fall down, your pants are going to fall down!!" She diffused the situation, Dad started laughing, and Kathy ended up not getting a spanking! Other times when Kathy and Debbie were being scolded, Harold actually did spank them. He came back 10 minutes later to apologize for spanking them. His words were "I didn't like to spank you, but I want you to be a good girl." They have been good ever since!!!! Message from Grandchildren: Our grandparents hold a very special place in our hearts. Bobby-Jo and Tammy have been very fortunate to have had all of the love and kindness that anyone could hope for from their grandparents. There are not many people that receive this time with Grandparents that we have been so lucky to be gifted with. In our younger years, we spent summer holidays, spring breaks, and Christmas breaks with Grandpa and Grandma. During which time was spent with us one-on-one. There were no video games, ipods, ipads, iphones or really very much TV watching. We had card playing, crokinole, playing "I spy with my little eye" when we would get up too early. We would crawl into bed between Grandpa and Grandma and play until it was time to get some breakfast. We especially loved the time Grandpa spent showing us how to play some basic tunes on the piano and singing along with him as he prepared for one of his "gigs" or just "jammin" out. Grandpa was a kid at heart and everyone that knew him would have many of their own memories and stories of him, always playing and spending quality time with the kids. He always had so much fun, his smile was so contagious and we will all miss his amazing sense of humor. With every visit the time would to come to say good-bye. No matter what the temperature was, Grandpa would always walk us out to our car. As we made our way down the driveway, Grandpa would always be waving to wish us farewell for now. Now we are standing here waving to you and wishing you farewell; for now. You have been such a huge part of our lives Grandpa. We appreciate all of the time we had with you and all of the memories we have made together. We will always love you and miss you, until we see you again. A CELEBRATION OF HAROLD'S LIFE was held Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Brockie Donovan Chapel with Rev. John Lea officiating. Eulogist was nephew, James Barnett, Violinist Marla Winters, Urn Bearers were daughters Kathy and Debbie. A special thanks to all the doctors at Brandon Regional Health Centre. We extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring Staff at Fairview Home. Thanks for all the kind words, cards, flowers, phone calls, and food that was brought, it was all overwhelming. Thanks to all that travelled near and far to be with us at this time of need. Thanks to the Central United Church ladies for serving lunch. Thank-you to Brockie Donovan for all their help. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation.