Obituary of Joseph Ray HARWOOD

HARWOOD, Joseph Ray Joseph Ray Harwood AKA “Joe” was born to Jim and Dona Harwood April 8, 1921, in the Strathmore area. He was the 4th child of 6 brothers and sisters; older Faye, Earl, Myrtle and younger was Edward and Doris. Joe married the love of his life in 1942 Doris Deeg AKA “Dorie” and together would make a legacy over the next 71 years. They bought their farm in 1943 and started raising a family. Garry was born in 1943, Don in 1948 and Merv in 1950. Joe and Dorie taught their sons the value of a dollar, hard day’s work, manners and respect. Grandma used to say, “look after the pennies, and the pennies will take care of themselves”. Joe loved to curl, golf, play cards, square dance and travel. He and Dorie would travel the world together travelling across North America and Mexico, most of the time driving their motorhome. Sometimes they would escape the harsh realities of the winter months and head to Yuma, Arizona before Grandma decided she wanted to stay closer to home. There’s no question that Joe loved many things in his life but we can all agree that Dorie was number 1, his children were number 2 but a very close third and fourth was John Deere and harvest. Nobody got more excited around harvest than Joe did. Joe never missed a harvest in over 60 years and was always a hot topic with the neighbors and grandkids. Harvest was his passion and something that he and Dorie were able to share in together as they both had their own combine. Joe would always take the lead but it never seemed long before Dorie got the scoop on his over anxious Combine, waving as she passed him unplugging the header. Joe and Dorie loved their friends and had company often. They never let the grass grow under their feet and participated in many community clubs and events. Joe was very proud, he worked hard to keep the farm immaculate, equipment, corrals, or the barn it didn’t matter. Joe & Dorie kept their yard looking like a park and Grandma kept special bird seed out to attract the robins. They each had separate lawnmowers and would work together making it something very special. It’s hard to imagine anyone else as “Grandpa Joe”, he was truly old school one of a kind. With family by his side Joe took his last trip to fill out his destiny beside Dorie in heaven on December 14, 2016 to what can only be called a “true love story.” Joe was predeceased by his loving wife “Dorie” and his faithful son “Don”, His brothers, Edward & Earl, His sisters, Faye & Doris. He leaves behind to mourn his sons Garry (Warrene) Harwood, Merv Harwood (Gail), his sister Myrtle “Myrte”; 7 grandchildren and 13+ great grandchildren. “Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time!” A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Strathmore Alliance Church (325 – 1 ave) at 1:30 p.m. To send condolences, please click on the link below or email directly to: condolences@wheatlandfuneralhome.ca Send Condolences