February 3, 1929 - February 2, 2023
Joseph “Harry” Warne passed away peacefully only a few hours shy of his 94th birthday. Harry will be remembered by all who knew him for his welcoming smile, sense of humour, and love of laughter. m
Harry was born in Guerneyville, Alberta on February 3,1929, to Frederick and Suzanne Warne. He was the middle child of 5 siblings, the family stayed in Guerneyville until 1935 when the family moved to St. Paul to farm during the war. After the loss of their mother the family then moved to Lamont, Alberta in 1942.
Harry attended the University of Alberta, graduating in 1952 with Bachelor Degrees in Agricultural Science and Education. In the fall of 1952 Harry began as an instructor at the College in Fairview, Alberta. He moved from instruction in Poultry and Dairy, to Farm Management, The Dean of Men, and finally the Senior instructor for Business Education.
Harry met the most important person and love of his life, Elsie McPhail at Fairview College where she worked as the pastry cook. They married on July 13, 1962, and had two children Stephen and Laura. After almost 25 years with the college the family moved to Edmonton in 1975, where Harry began working for the Alberta Farm Business Management Branch knowing that this job would then take the family to Olds, Alberta in 1977. Harry and Elsie designed and built their dream home during the summer of 1977 where they both remained, enjoying close relationships with neighbours throughout the years and daily hours working in the gardens. Harry retired in 1987, and he and Elsie were able to travel and volunteer more.
Both Harry and Elsie enjoyed travel and made several trips throughout their lives to the UK to visit family. By themselves and with their children they travelled to many parts of Canada and the United States, took a Caribbean Cruise, and went with their daughter Laura to Hawaii for their 55th Anniversary. Summer family vacations included weeks camping, visits to Harry’s father and brother Don in the Okanagan, and to Vancouver Island to Elsie’s sister Phyllis and her 5 daughters.
Harry was keenly dedicated to volunteering and assisting with local sports. While in Fairview he coached a number of minor hockey teams, and as his children grew he was involved with their sporting activities. He himself enjoyed playing hockey, baseball and cross-country skiing. Harry was always the dad who jumped up to join his kids with activities like rides to hockey for Stephen or winter camping and skiing for Laura. Harry volunteered with many different organizations throughout his life including as treasurer for the Olds Library, and United Church. He was particularly dedicated to the Olds Kiwanis Club as both a member and a 4-year period as director. Harry volunteered at the Mountainview Food Bank for close to 25 years as its Treasurer, watching and helping it grow throughout those years.
Harry was deeply loved and cared for by family, friends and neighbours. He was devastated at the loss of his son Stephen in 2010. Harry and Elsie were devoted to each other, and Harry spent great time and care with Elsie throughout their marriage and particularly in Elsie’s last year helping deal with cancer as she turned 101.
Harry is predeceased his wife Elsie in 2020, his son Stephen in 2010, and his siblings Jimmy and George.
Harry is survived by his daughter Laura, his granddaughter Jaquelynne LaFlamme, her partner Evan Fowler, and his siblings Donald and Anne. Harry had a great many Nieces and Nephews onto great great great that he loved and doted on, then in return was doted upon.
The family would like to thank his many friends who assisted him during these last years. Thank you to Olds Homecare who provided him with dedicated assistance that allowed him to remain in the home he loved, he appreciated not only their care but their company and daily smiles. We would also like to thank the Olds Hospice Society for helping Harry after Elsie’s death, and Doctor Wielenga for going above and beyond to help Harry and Laura through his final days.
A memorial service for Harry will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flower a donation may be made to the Mountain View Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
