It is with deep sadness and broken
hearts we announce the sudden passing of Gary Lee
Harrison “Papa Joe”, age 76 of Springhill NS.
Joe passed away with his family by his side in the Intensive
Care Unit at the Cumberland Regional Health Care
Facility.
Born in Springhill, Joe was a son of the
late Carl Chapman and Daisy Corkin.
He lived a great life and often spoke
about his coaching days when his teams, both Bantam and Midget took
the Provincial Championship titles home, which was something he always
spoke so proudly about. He spent countless hours in his later years in
arenas all over watching his sons and grandsons play hockey as
well.
Joe served a few years in the Navy at a
young age until he received the news of becoming a father for the
first time. At this time, he left the navy and had numerous jobs to
make ends meet and support his family. He finally found his calling
when he was employed by the Chignecto Regional School Board driving
bus until he retired in 2020. Joe’s door was always open to
anyone in need and would put his family first before anything. He
thoroughly enjoyed having Thanksgiving dinners at the camp and loved
the outdoors. You would often see him driving around town on patrol
“SLOWLY” while drinking his Tim Hortons coffee. These past
few summers he spent in Five Islands with his lifelong friends, Don
Goode, Jerry Rolfe and Tommy Barton who have helped him tremendously
since losing his loving wife in May 2020.
Joe will be sadly missed and never
forgotten by his daughter Joanne (Kevin Sears), his son Danny (Mary
Vickery), his son Jerry (Shannon) and his eight grandchildren. He will
also be missed by his sister Dorothy Meagher (Keith), step brothers;
Gary Chapman, David Chapman and Carl Chapman (JR), sister in law
Beverly White (Gerald) and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased
by his loving wife of 54 years, Rosemary and his sister Gerene
Roode.
We cannot thank the Health Care team
nurses enough for their continuing care and a special thanks to Dr.
McBeath for her professionalism, comfort, knowledge and support during
this difficult time.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of A.H. Browns Funeral Home, 5
McFarlane Street, Springhill NS (902-597-2361). In keeping with
Joe’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a
private family burial service held at a later date.
Donations in memory of Gary may be made
to The Canadian Diabetes Association.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at
www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Home
Facebook Page.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Joe Lee Harrison 1946 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Springhill, Province: Nova Scotia