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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LAIT, Harold Herbert - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and a gentleman. Born in Strathmore June 18, 1924, Harold Herbert Lait passed away peacefully in his 91st year on September 27, 2014 in Calgary surrounded by family and friends. A Navy veteran of WWII, Harold served on board HMCS HAIDA. There he participated in the Russian Convoy Service, re-supplying Russia on the famous Murmansk Run and in operations off Norway and Scapa Flow amongst other places. At the end of the war, Harold returned to Calgary and joined Motor Car Supply Company as a salesman. In Calgary he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) (nee Bolin) on January 25, 1946. He embarked on a lifelong career with Motor Car Supply, moving frequently as he assumed more responsibility as the company changed ownership and product, through such identities as Taylor Pearson and Carson, Westward Power and Acklands, finishing a career of some 45 years back in Calgary where it all began. Harold was a member of the Mizpah Lodge No. 35, A.F. & AM. G.R.A., Medicine Hat and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105 in Olds. Harold enjoyed hunting game birds in Southern Alberta, hunting and fishing in the streams and forests of southeastern British Columbia including the ocean off the east coast of Vancouver Island. After retirement and a move to Didsbury in 1992, Harold took up golf and gardening. His gardens were immaculate but small and not time consuming, and he therefore approached golf with a passion. He joined "His Club", acquired a power cart and continued to play with his "young friends" until his 88th year when his health forced him to stop. He loved playing cribbage and was known affectionately by the family as the "crib machine." Due to health issues Harold moved to Calgary and into Walden Heights in July 2012. The family would like to express their appreciation for the care and compassion shown to Harold during his residency. Bonds of friendship were forged and Harold truly felt a part of the Walden Heights family. The family would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support provided by Veterans Affairs Canada. Harold greatly appreciated the VIP program assistance he received that allowed him to stay in his own home in Didsbury as long as possible and the follow up assistance he received in residence at Walden. Constant and Strong – he will be deeply missed. Predeceased by Dot in 2007, Harold is survived by sons Kenneth (Ottawa, Ontario), Dennis (Ladysmith, British Columbia) and daughter Jo-Ann Clarke (Calgary, Alberta), his grandchildren Lindsey and Michael (Ken and Heather), Lori (Dennis and Adrienne) and Ashley (Jo-Ann), and great- grandchildren Kieran, twins Liam and Mason, Callum, Emelia (Emmy) and Quinn (Lindsey and Mark) and Lyndon (Lori). At Harold's request, the family will hold a private memorial service, officiated by Pastor Willard Swalm (one of those "young friends" from golf) in Didsbury on October 11, 2014. In lieu flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105, Olds. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773 (the Calgary Herald 10 Oct 2014)
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