Obituary for Glen Harrison
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glen Harrison on February 28th after a lifetime of music. Glen is survived by his beloved wife Margaret, his constant accompanist. Glen was predeceased by his parents Gilbert and Nellie Harrison, and his sister Joyce Christie. He will be greatly missed by his children Reid (Cathryn), Nancy, and Susan LeGrand (Roger), his Grandchildren Paul (Deanne), Beth Fedorowich (Ryan), Ian (Nicki), Gillian Surminski (David), and Scott (Britany), and his three Great Grandsons, Ben & Jack Surminski, and Asher Fedorowich.
Glen was born in Winnipeg and began his love of music and theatre at an early age, developing it at Laura Secord, Isaac Brock and Daniel McIntyre where he was Koko in The Mikado, the Captain in H.M.S. Pinafore, and the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance. This was the start of his passion for Gilbert & Sullivan. On to University and Glen went to try out for the U of M Glee Club’s production of The Chimes of Normandy. The audition pianist happened to be Margaret Dow and they began a lifetime of love and music and 65 years of marriage. During the 40’s and 50’s, Glen was teaching at Lord Selkirk and Elmwood High, directing The Mikado at both schools and Trial by Jury at Tec Voc. Then it was on to Principal Sparling and Sargent Park; at both junior high schools his choirs won all the trophies at the festival.
While singing on “Curtain Melodies”, being one of the “Four Cavaliers” on CBC Radio programs and performing on “Singer Stars of Tomorrow” in Toronto, he became involved with the beginning of Rainbow Stage as Chorus Master and performer, and gradually took over as Conductor and Music Director.
Summers in the 60’s were busy at Rainbow Stage but once the show was on stage, Glen would spend days at their cottage at Whytewold, drive in to conduct the show at night and drive back.
In 1957, he wrote and narrated the once-a-week school radio broadcast “Lets Sing Together” which continued until 1978. That same year he became Choir Director at Westminster United Church, a position he would hold for the next 52 years.
In 1961 he became Coordinator of Music for Seven Oaks School Division and, after a time of study in Atlanta, Supervisor of Radio & TV School Broadcasts for Western Canada. During that time he was Co-Author of the Junior High School text books – Fanfare, Acts I & II.
Come the 80’s, it was time to start traveling with our friends, the Wilson’s, to Barbados during Spring Break and England, Scotland and tours on the Continent in summer. A special event was attending the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Even more fun than traveling was the gradual arrival of the five Grandchildren. Grandpa loved to play with them in the pool and then to relax with a martini and just watch.
Over the years, Glen spent hundreds of hours on music, but he also spent many hours painting. He loved to paint copies of beautiful pictures of the Impressionists. They fill our home and those of family and friends.
Upon his retirement in 1989 he couldn’t just retire. Glen convinced a few friends to help start the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. The first production, The Mikado, was on stage in 1991. The Society has now produced 25 G&S shows, with the 26th (Ruddigore) coming up April 20-22nd at the Pantages Playhouse. Glen has influenced and encouraged so many people in Winnipeg. He will be greatly missed.
A service to celebrate Glen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 11th at Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Gilbert & Sullivan Society (6-720 Kingsway, Winnipeg MB, R3N 0P3), the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.
“I am an acquired taste.” (Mikado)

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Glen
Harrison – 2017.source

avis deces Glen
Harrison – 2017- avis mortuaire Glen
Harrison – 2017