WWII Veteran, 7th Anti-Tank Division of the Royal Canadian Artillery, 1942 – 1945

Died on Thursday, November 16th, 2017, at Mapleview Long Term Care, Owen Sound, in his 97th year.  Curly, beloved husband of Bettilyn.  Loving father of Clark (Evelyn), Alyce (Terry Keenan), Jay (Lena), and the late Anna (Cy Lawton).  Proud grandfather of Jason (Helen), Brianna (Ken), Jennie (Adam), Nathan, Kurt (Robyn), Laura (Ryan), Jennifer (Curt), Joel (Jessica), Farren, and great grandfather of 11.  He will be missed by his “best friend” Humphrey.  Curly will be remembered by many Boy Scouts and Scout leaders in Owen Sound and Ontario for his more than 50 years in scouting activities, as Akela; as a pivotal volunteer at Scout camps and every Winter Campout; as a District Commissioner; and, as the first recipient here of a Medal of Merit.  Curly was among the early founders of the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club, serving as a trail builder, maintenance worker, hike leader, and Board Director. His involvement in community  activities continued with the United Church, the Legion, local hockey, and Young Rockhounds.  His extensive collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils is now on permanent display in the halls of Timothy Christian School for school use and public access.

Curly will be missed by family, friends, Mapleview staff and residents, many nieces and nephews “out east”, all those who knew his open heart and loved his big smile, right to the end.

A Royal Canadian Legion service will be held at 1:45pm on Sunday, November 26th, 2017 at the Tannahill Funeral Home, 1178 4th Ave West, Owen Sound, with visitation to follow from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.  A celebration of Curly’s life will be held on Monday, November 27th, 2017 at 11:00am at First United Church, 435 21st Street West, Owen Sound, with Rev. Kristal McGee officiating.

If you are the owner of a Curly Harnden walking stick, the family ask that you bring it along to the visitation and/or church service so that they may have the pleasure of seeing them all together.

Memorial donations to Curly’s favorite charity, Sleeping Children Around the World,  or the Bruce Trail Conservancy or Owen Sound Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

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