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Major Harry Eisenhauer Obituary
Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Harry Eisenhauer on October 20, 2024, in Calgary, AB after a brief illness. He was a remarkable 104 years of age and enjoyed a full and rewarding life. Harry’s precious soul has so deeply touched each of us – as our loving father, husband, grandpa, great and great-great grandpa, uncle, godfather and dear friend. Harry’s incredible legacy is there for each of us to carry forward in our lives: his gentleness, lifelong generosity, honesty, trust, kindness and compassion.
Major Harry Eisenhauer was born on July 9, 1920, at Lower La Have, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, one of the nine children of John and Lillian (nee Adams) Eisenhauer. The family ties to Lunenburg County go back to 1753, when the German immigrants to Halifax in 1751 were moved to the site of Lunenburg to establish a new town. The children were all raised on a small plot of land by the sea. The family had a couple of oxen to plough the fields, some trout in the well to keep the water filtered, and a milk cow or two in the barn. When not working the land, their father John worked as a cook on the fishing vessels or luxury yachts sailing down to New York or the Caribbean. Mother Lillian was the foundation of the family’s day-to-day development, health, community and learning. Harry’s first school days were spent in the typical “little red schoolhouse”, where nine grades were taught in one room by one teacher.
At the young age of 19 and with war on the horizon, Harry joined the Canadian Officers’ Training Corp at Dalhousie, where he was studying science. Then, in August 1940 at the age of 20, Harry enlisted with the West Nova Scotia Regiment and was shipped out to the U.K. Three years later, Lieutenant Eisenhauer arrived in Sicily, where he was Battalion Intelligence Officer. He was later mentioned in despatches for distinguished service in the battle for Sicily. In December, during the famous “Gully” battle near Ortona in mainland Italy, he was twice wounded, receiving what he would later call “flesh wounds”. He recovered in hospital, then returned to the Regiment on the last day of the fighting in the Liri battle south of Rome. Not long after his return on May 23, 1944, Harry was promoted to Major and sent forward to replace the commander of “C” Company, who had been wounded. In the late afternoon, he led that company in the Division’s breakthrough of the German lines near Pontecoro. To quote Major Bill Thexton in his book Times to Remember – Recollections of Four and a Half Years with the West Nova Scotia Regiment during 1940-1944: “It was probably their finest hour”. Major Eisenhauer led the West Nova Scotia Regiment in its triumphant return to Nova Scotia after the war, arriving in Halifax on October 1,1945. At his passing, Major Eisenhauer was one of the last remaining Regimental Commanders in the Canadian army who served in WWII.
Following the war, Harry was the only sibling with the opportunity to attend university and he never took that for granted. Harry entered law school at Dalhousie and upon graduating, he was second in his class and was chosen as Class Life President.
Harry was married to his high-school sweetheart, Lorna Wentzel from Bridgewater. Their two sons, John and David, were born while they lived in the Maritimes. Harry’s career began with a job at Eastern Trust Company and when Eastern purchased an interest in a small trust company in Alberta, Harry was transferred there as manager. The family arrived in Calgary in 1951, and shortly after came the birth of their daughter, Janice. It was not long before Harry decided to put his law degree to good use in the oil patch and he joined Dome Petroleum where he became head of its law department and later filled the position of corporate secretary until his retirement in 1984.
An avid fisher and hunter in the mid 1950s, he explored the beautiful Rockies nurturing many of his own personal strengths and memories while trekking through the forests and with time spent around the campfires at his favourite Marvel Lake in Assiniboine Park. He brought that love of nature to his children and grandchildren who continue to benefit from these wonders of the great outdoors.
Sadly, Lorna passed away in 1961 and Harry was left to raise his young family alone. However, his love of family and his faith came to the fore. Harry reacquainted with a family friend, Ruth Paterson from Dartmouth, NS. Ruth and Harry were married in 1963, and both were early and active long-term members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Harry also served as Treasurer of the Presbytery of Calgary Macleod for 20 years.
Harry was an avid golfer and bridge player, both pursuits of which were enjoyed up to and past his 100th birthday. He somewhat rued the fact that he did not achieve the golf score to match his age when he turned 80.
Harry is survived by Ruth, his wife of 61 years; his son David (Brenda); his daughter Janice; and their loving extended family. Harry was extremely proud of his five grandchildren, his nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife Lorna (nee Wentzel, 1925-1961); their son John (1947-2020, who is survived by his wife Bozena Eisenhauer); his son-in-law Richard Roberts (1945-2023); his parents John and Lillian Eisenhauer; and his eight siblings and their spouses.
A Celebration of Harry’s life will take place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 703 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Doors open 1:00 pm, Program/Reception 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Live streaming will be available. Memorial tributes are welcome online at www.evanjstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to the Mustard Seed in Harry’s honour (www.theseed.ca).
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2024 2024
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta
death notice Major Harry MacDonald Eisenhauer 2024 2024
obituaries notice Major Harry MacDonald Eisenhauer 2024 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Major Harry MacDonald Eisenhauer 2024 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
