Obituary of Harold Douglas Gulliver

Harold Douglas Gulliver passed away on June 21, 2023 at the age of 104  years.  Born just east of Stettler, Alberta on May 20, 1919, he grew up a farm boy.  Once he was finished school, he started in the Royal Bank at Didsbury, Alberta in 1937 serving in various places throughout Alberta, the last being Strathmore, Alberta where he retired in 1977.

As a banker Dad helped a lot of people achieve their dreams. A loan for a new car or truck, a first home, a new bull, a loan to further an education or money for a new tire shop.

He was always proud to present the Royal Bank 4H silver platter at local achievement awards.

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force receiving his discharge in 1946.  While in the Services he met mom and they were married in 1946 at her hometown of Bethune, Saskatchewan.

Dad liked music as his mother was very musical in that she taught music and played the organ at church.  Dad learned to play the trumpet, was in a band and tinkered on the piano.  While in the band in Didsbury he was able to participate in the Calgary Stampede Parade a couple of times.  Many good times were had when Linda played the piano and Dad was on the trumpet.  Dad also liked dogs.  Whenever a dog came into the room, Dad forgot everyone else and fussed over the dog.  He had a soft heart when it came to animals, especially dogs.

Dad joined the Masonic Lodge in 1955 while stationed at Big Valley, Alberta, Order of the Eastern Star, along with Edna December 1961 while living in Alix, Alberta and is also a member of the Scottish Rite.  In 1972 he was installed as the head of Alberta for Eastern Star and travelled many miles in 1972 and 1973. Mom was his chauffeur and went with him to each meeting.  Linda joined them on their travels when she could.   He was given an appointment in 1982 to 1985 with the Eastern Star and travelled across Canada to all jurisdictions and 25 jurisdictions in the United States.  He has made many friends over the years through his Masonic and Eastern Star families.  Mom, Dad and Linda also squared danced for years travelling many miles doing that and meeting folks.  They attended the annual Peach Festival in Penticton for many years while on their holidays.  They danced under the stars as the dancing was held in a baseball park with plywood for the floor.  A good time was had.

Dad liked to tease folks.  He was always joking with them and having a great time.  When he was not joking you knew that Dad was not feeling well.  He also walked.  He walked everywhere and did not take the car to work unless it was an absolute necessity.  He also had a bike that he had bought when first out of school that he rode.  A basket was made for the front of the bike so that he could put groceries in when he went shopping.  It came in very handy.

Harold was predeceased by his wife, Edna, his parents Reginald and Dorothea Gulliver, his brother, Robert and wife and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.   He is survived by his daughter Linda (Terry Spokes); son Daryl-Gully (Gerry); two grandchildren Tyler (Marcela) and Meghan plus five great-grandchildren Anabella, Daniella, Amelia, Deacon and Aeson.  He is survived by nieces and nephews plus relatives in England.

A private family service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

An open house will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Strathmore Royal Canadian Legion Hall #10 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  Everyone welcome.

Donations may be given directly to S.T.A.R.S.(online at give.stars.ca) or a charity of your choice.