Obituary for Harold Peter Arthur Siemens
Surrounded by the love of his family, Harold Peter Arthur Siemens passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, January 11, 2021 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.
Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years Vilma Maxine Helga (nee Swanson) in 2016.
Left to cherish his memory are their daughters Alayna (Geoff), and Brenda; grandchildren Reese (Meagan), Evan, and Stacy; his brother Walter (Irene) and family; brother-in-law Marvin (Syd) and family; sister-in-law Doreen (Gary) and family; extended family and long-time friends. He was also predeceased by his parents Arthur Peter and Olga (nee Papke) Siemens; sister-in-law Viola, brother-in-law Floyd, and nephew Dwayne.
Harold was born June 5, 1936 in Winkler, MB. After completing high school, he worked in the federal weather offices on Sable Island and in remote northern areas, enjoying the peace and solitude these locations provided before joining Air Traffic Control in Thunder Bay and then Winnipeg. While working in this field, Harold continued his education, obtaining a BSc at the University of Winnipeg and a teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba.
Harold had an incredible knowledge and gift for building, carpentry, and repairs of any kind. He was a true craftsman who worked with amazing precision, skill, and pride. “Ask Grandpa. Grandpa can fix anything” was the phrase heard most often around our family.
He had a gift for growing the most amazing vegetable garden. He was the go-to guy for anything to do with growing tomatoes, and he loved to share not only his knowledge and experience, but also his bounty of cucumbers and tomatoes at the end of every growing season.
Harold took pride in being the ‘old curmudgeon’. He loved a good joke, but he was also a reflective man who thought deeply and felt things profoundly. He was a good man who lived by a strong ethical code. He was a firm believer in hard work and working for our rewards. He and mom were also strong believers in supporting those in need, and they were quiet donors to organizations that support and feed the hungry.
Dad was devoted to our mom, and he felt her death very profoundly. We take comfort in knowing that they are finally resting together in the peace and love of God.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place virtually over Zoom on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Courtenay Reedman Parker presiding. To register for the service, contact Messiah Lutheran Church at messiahaa@gmail.com or (204) 888-1042 no later than 12 noon on Friday January 22. A private interment with immediate family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Urban (Lutheran Urban Ministry) or Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years Vilma Maxine Helga (nee Swanson) in 2016.
Left to cherish his memory are their daughters Alayna (Geoff), and Brenda; grandchildren Reese (Meagan), Evan, and Stacy; his brother Walter (Irene) and family; brother-in-law Marvin (Syd) and family; sister-in-law Doreen (Gary) and family; extended family and long-time friends. He was also predeceased by his parents Arthur Peter and Olga (nee Papke) Siemens; sister-in-law Viola, brother-in-law Floyd, and nephew Dwayne.
Harold was born June 5, 1936 in Winkler, MB. After completing high school, he worked in the federal weather offices on Sable Island and in remote northern areas, enjoying the peace and solitude these locations provided before joining Air Traffic Control in Thunder Bay and then Winnipeg. While working in this field, Harold continued his education, obtaining a BSc at the University of Winnipeg and a teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba.
Harold had an incredible knowledge and gift for building, carpentry, and repairs of any kind. He was a true craftsman who worked with amazing precision, skill, and pride. “Ask Grandpa. Grandpa can fix anything” was the phrase heard most often around our family.
He had a gift for growing the most amazing vegetable garden. He was the go-to guy for anything to do with growing tomatoes, and he loved to share not only his knowledge and experience, but also his bounty of cucumbers and tomatoes at the end of every growing season.
Harold took pride in being the ‘old curmudgeon’. He loved a good joke, but he was also a reflective man who thought deeply and felt things profoundly. He was a good man who lived by a strong ethical code. He was a firm believer in hard work and working for our rewards. He and mom were also strong believers in supporting those in need, and they were quiet donors to organizations that support and feed the hungry.
Dad was devoted to our mom, and he felt her death very profoundly. We take comfort in knowing that they are finally resting together in the peace and love of God.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place virtually over Zoom on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Courtenay Reedman Parker presiding. To register for the service, contact Messiah Lutheran Church at messiahaa@gmail.com or (204) 888-1042 no later than 12 noon on Friday January 22. A private interment with immediate family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Urban (Lutheran Urban Ministry) or Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.