Obituary for Harold Lewis Perry
PERRY, Harold (Hal) Lewis
July 17, 1925 - July 31, 2020
It is with profound sadness that our family share the peaceful passing of our beloved father Hal on Friday, July 31, 2020 after celebrating his 95th birthday just a few short weeks ago. Hal's favourite song was “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole (1965) and he stayed true to the lyrics “it will be forever” after losing our mother and the love of his life, Terry in 2006.
Hal was born & raised in Winnipeg. He had flat feet so was denied entry into the military and instead became a telegrapher & train dispatcher for the CPR. Seventy years later, he still remembered the Morse Code. He then went on to the life insurance industry with North American Life & Casualty and Empire Life. From 1957-67 Hal was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber executive in public relations and proudly saw the team win four Grey Cups. A promotion had Hal move his family to Calgary in 1972. Four years later he joined Moffat Broadcasting as Sales Manager for CHFM which at the time was the first contemporary FM station in Calgary. Hal retired in the late eighties from the radio business where he left an indelible mark on his younger colleagues. One who recently referred to him as a “character who made the world a more interesting place!” Known for his quick wit, he had an amazing array of jokes to keep you laughing. He served with Rotary International South Calgary Club and was a volunteer with the Heritage Park Historical Society where his love of Christmas was instrumental in the creation of the 12 Days of Christmas. Throughout his life, Hal was a great golfer and avid curler.
Music was a huge part of Hal’s world. He could listen to a tune and tell you the album, the song title, the artist singing and the musicians playing each instrument. Hal & Terry were great hosts and loved to throw parties where they would dance the night away to his vast array of music. Hawaii and Palm Springs were favourite travel destinations, but nothing compared to visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile to visit Barb & her family.
Hal will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, David (Leslie), Jeff (Jean), Barbara (Bob); grandchildren, Curtis, Michelle (Travis), Michael (Jenn), Robyn & Holly; step-grandchildren, Jade (Ken) and Kent Jr;, six great grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren all of Calgary and brother, Allan of Winnipeg.
In keeping with Hal’s wishes, no formal service will be held. His family will inter Hal & Terry together forever on October 7, 2020 which would be their 70th wedding anniversary and plan to celebrate with a compilation of the music that will resonate with us forever while we raise a Manhattan and a Martini in their honour.
The family graciously thanks the staff at Bethany Riverview for their loving kindness to Hal these past few years.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Hal, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
July 17, 1925 - July 31, 2020
It is with profound sadness that our family share the peaceful passing of our beloved father Hal on Friday, July 31, 2020 after celebrating his 95th birthday just a few short weeks ago. Hal's favourite song was “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole (1965) and he stayed true to the lyrics “it will be forever” after losing our mother and the love of his life, Terry in 2006.
Hal was born & raised in Winnipeg. He had flat feet so was denied entry into the military and instead became a telegrapher & train dispatcher for the CPR. Seventy years later, he still remembered the Morse Code. He then went on to the life insurance industry with North American Life & Casualty and Empire Life. From 1957-67 Hal was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber executive in public relations and proudly saw the team win four Grey Cups. A promotion had Hal move his family to Calgary in 1972. Four years later he joined Moffat Broadcasting as Sales Manager for CHFM which at the time was the first contemporary FM station in Calgary. Hal retired in the late eighties from the radio business where he left an indelible mark on his younger colleagues. One who recently referred to him as a “character who made the world a more interesting place!” Known for his quick wit, he had an amazing array of jokes to keep you laughing. He served with Rotary International South Calgary Club and was a volunteer with the Heritage Park Historical Society where his love of Christmas was instrumental in the creation of the 12 Days of Christmas. Throughout his life, Hal was a great golfer and avid curler.
Music was a huge part of Hal’s world. He could listen to a tune and tell you the album, the song title, the artist singing and the musicians playing each instrument. Hal & Terry were great hosts and loved to throw parties where they would dance the night away to his vast array of music. Hawaii and Palm Springs were favourite travel destinations, but nothing compared to visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile to visit Barb & her family.
Hal will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, David (Leslie), Jeff (Jean), Barbara (Bob); grandchildren, Curtis, Michelle (Travis), Michael (Jenn), Robyn & Holly; step-grandchildren, Jade (Ken) and Kent Jr;, six great grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren all of Calgary and brother, Allan of Winnipeg.
In keeping with Hal’s wishes, no formal service will be held. His family will inter Hal & Terry together forever on October 7, 2020 which would be their 70th wedding anniversary and plan to celebrate with a compilation of the music that will resonate with us forever while we raise a Manhattan and a Martini in their honour.
The family graciously thanks the staff at Bethany Riverview for their loving kindness to Hal these past few years.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Hal, please visit www.choicememorial.com.