Harvey Vaags 65, of Dugald, passed away April 20, 2022 after a fight with leukemia.
Harvey grew up on a large cattle and grain farm where he started his long standing career in farming. Harvey honed his talent as a brilliant mechanic, builder, manager and operator of various equipment throughout his life.
He attended Dordt College where he met his wife Joyce. They subsequently moved back to Manitoba to continue farming and raised a family with four children.
Harvey pursued his interest in Flying and obtained his commercial pilots license which he used in operating Springfield Aerial Spraying, a business that he started and operated for many years.
In the 80’s, Harvey started a career with the Winnipeg Police Service. He was a General Patrol Officer and a Traffic Enforcement Officer in many areas of the city. He was also the Chief Pilot of the Winnipeg Police Aerial Support Unit for many years until he retired after serving the community for 22.5 years.
In his retirement Harvey continued to farm, and also took up the challenge to assist in getting True North Foods, Manitoba’s only federally-certified meat packing plant, started in Carman Manitoba.
Harvey has served as a Deacon for a number of years with the Transcona Christian Reformed Church, where he had been a lifelong member. He volunteered as Chairman of the board of Mission Thrift Store, piloting its move to larger premise and through many Covid decisions.
Harvey’s ability to set and meet his goals was always an inspiration.
He loved to travel and explore new places. He loved bike riding, exemplified by cycling two charitable fund raising rides from the west to east coast of both the US and Canada. Most enjoyable in retirement was playing the role of Grandfather in his expanding family.
Harvey is survived by Joyce, his wife of 44 years. His four children Angela Vaags & Martin Hass, Jordan Vaags, Derrick Vaags & Narpinder Rehallu, Alex & Leah Vaags and three grand children Clarky, Vivian and Nicola Vaags. He is also survived by his mother Sarah Vaags, siblings, Bev (John) Steendam, Ken (Linda) Vaags, Sue (Ed) Bruinsma, Dave (Cathy) Vaags, Judy (Tony) deWaal, Calvin (Sandra)Vaags, Lorne (Sylvia) Vaags and Yvonne (Jason) Kimm. Four brothers-in-law Reinerd Bosma, Dan & Julie Bosma, Leroy Bosma and Calvin Bosma & Jodi Kelly and four sisters-in-law Joanne Marvin, Ruth & Harold DeBruin, Luann Bosma Lois & Rocky Marco, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his father John Vaags, and step father Tom Polet, his mother and father-in-law, Arnold and Henrietta Bosma, two brothers-in-law, Paul Marvin and Anthony Bosma and sister-in-law Betty Bosma.
Harv trusted in God’s providence throughout his life, and he believed that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
Romans 8:28
A celebration of Harvey’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, at 12:30pm at the Transcona Christian Reformed Church. Those that wish to join virtually may do so by using the WORSHIP LIVESTREAM link on the Transcona Christian Reformed Church website. (transconacrc.ca)
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harvey Vaags Wednesday April 20th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba
Dear Joyce, Derrick and family
Our deep condolences to you on the passing of Harvey. He was a kind man who touched many lives. He brought much happiness to my father in law when he took him and Curtis in an areal tour of the Brokenhead. Eugene still talks about it!
The kindness you and Harvey had shown to our family in many other ways was also very appreciated and respected.
I am thankful for the relationship Harvey has with Jesus and pray that your relationship with the Lord will help you to grieve his loss to this world and particularly to your family, and also help you to heal and continue to live in this life God has given you to live.
Sincerely Elaine Fehr (Stefaniuk)