Harold Narvey

Murray Harold Narvey

On April 24, 2010, our family and community of Portage la Prairie, lost a true gentleman.

With family by his side, Harold passed away at the Portage District General Hospital, the hospital where he was born 83 years earlier. Harold's remarkable journey began March 27, 1927. Born to Edward Barney and Mary Narvey, he was adored by his older sister Esther and big brother Mel. Harold attended Victoria School and graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute in 1945. Except for a brief time attending the University of Southern California after high school, he was a proud lifelong resident of Portage la Prairie.

Harold returned from USC to work with his brother Mel in the family business, Narvey's, which had been established in 1910. The brothers enjoyed a most successful partnership. Mel and Harold worked together as brothers and close friends. The staff at Narvey's were treated as family and customers of the store became respected friends. When the time came to retire, two long time employees, Faye and Candy, greatly honoured the Narvey family by naming their new store Barney's, after Mel and Harold's father.

Harold married the love of his life Mildred Karbachinsky on December 25,1952, a day both Harold and Mel could be away from the store. Together, Harold and Mildred raised their son Bruce and daughter Kathi, in the home they built on beautiful Crescent Lake, over 55 years ago. In a testament of Mildred's love and respect for her husband Harold, she adapted her life so Harold could remain at home even with ever progressing Alzheimer's. Every mealtime he marveled at the view out their window of the lake that he loved.

Over a lifetime in Portage, Harold was involved in many of the volunteer organizations and clubs in town. Rotary was espeicially dear to his heart, as he was one of the founding members of the club in Portage and an early President. Harold spent 14 years on the Portage school board and served as chairman for a number of those years. He also held leadership roles in Portage Chamber of Commerce, Portage Chapter of B'nai B'rith and Portage Golf Club. His many interests included woodworking, building boats when younger to woodcarving later in life; duck hunting at Delta Marsh; trap shooting; traveling with his wife to warmer climates; golfing; singing and barbershop quartets; reading and prose.

A true Narvey, Harold's life revolved around his family. He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and extended family through the years. A day did not go by that he didn't enquire as to what the 'kids' were up to today. Even as the dementia robbed him of memories, names and faces of those he knew and loved, he was always quick to note with a smile and twinkle in his eye, when asked how he was doing, "much better now that you're here".

Predeceased by his parents, Barney and Mary; and parent-in laws, Anne and Charles Karbachinsky; sister and brother-in-law, Esther and Max Weinstein; sisters-in-law, Esther Narvey and Sooky Narvey; niece Sandra Narvey and nephew Joel Weinstein.

Left with wonderful memories of this kind and gentle man are his loving wife, Mildred; respected brother Mel; adoring children Bruce and Cheri Narvey, and Kathi and Stuart Greenfield; beloved grandchildren Sara, Shae and Jory Greenfield and Stefanie (Cameron), Daniel, Jordan, Megan and Bradley Narvey. Also left to remember and cherish their memories of Harold are his extended family, and countless friends made over a lifetime, in Portage, Winnipeg and throughout his travels.

A very sincere thank you and hug to Harold's homecare, day program, respite and hospital caregivers for helping him and his family through a most difficult time.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 26, 2010 at Etz Chayim Synagogue. Pallbearers were grandsons Shae and Jory Greenfield and Daniel, Jordan and Bradley Narvey and nephew Sydney Weinstein. Honorary pallbearer was Mel Narvey.

A Celebration of Harold's life will take place at the William Glesby Centre in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 1:30p.m. Please join us for a cup of coffee and share with us your memories.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Harold's memory to Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road S, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N1T8 or Sunset Palliative Care, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N3B2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com