Obituary of Harold Henry Astbury

ASTBURY - Harold H. It is with great sadness that the family of Harold Astbury announces his passing on August 26th, 2008, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Dora; brother Edward and sister-in-law Frances. Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife of 64 years, Jean, and their children, Meryl Weir (Scott Watson), Calgary, and Douglas of Vancouver; niece, Jean (Tony) Lewis of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, U.K. and their two daughters; brother-in-law, Eugene (Delores) Kent, Calgary; cousin Laura Hawkes, Burton-on-Trent, Staff., U.K. Harold was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, U.K. and came to Canada with the R.A.F. Commonwealth Air Training Program and was stationed at Medicine Hat where he met and married Jean in 1943. In 1944 he was posted to the U.K. and then to Naples, Italy, for the duration of World War II. He returned to Canada on April 10, 1946, and later became a Canadian citizen. Jean and Harold settled in Moose Jaw upon his return to Canada and moved to Regina in 1949. Harold worked in the insurance business and following his retirement from Great West Life, was employed as a Pension Analyst with the Province of Saskatchewan and City of Regina. He was an active member of Westminster United Church as an elder and choir member, singing many solos. Harold had a beautiful baritone voice and during his stay in Naples, was able to take singing lessons with an Italian teacher. He was a member of King Hiram #104 A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge and became The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan from 1981-82. He belonged to the WaWa Shrine Temple and sang with the Chanters. The service will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, August 30th, 2008, at Westminster United Church, 3025 13th Avenue, Regina, with Rev. Ken Powers officiating. The family wishes to thank the staff of Santa Maria Sr. Citizens Residence for their exceptional and kind care of Harold. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations in Harold's honor can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 301 - 2550 - 12th Ave., Regina, S4P 3X1, or the WaWa Shrine Patients Travel Fund, 2065 Hamilton St., Regina, S4P 2E1. An on-line book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com