Obituary of William Harold Horner

Horner, Harold - 1911 - 2007 - William Harold Horner was born December 26th 1911, in a small farm home just north of Creelman, in southeast Saskatchewan. His parents were Samuel Norval Horner and Jessie Jane Alexander. He was the eldest of seven. Harold took his schooling in Creelman and then the University of Saskatchewan where he earned a B.Sc and Masters degree in Agriculture. His early life on the family farm and his education instilled a love of agriculture that stayed with Harold his whole life and work. Harold graduated in 1936 and went to work in the Dominion Experimental Farm. In 1939 he married Mary Ellis in Saskatoon. In 1941 Harold volunteered for the Canadian Army. He went overseas for four years and was discharged as a Captain in February of 1946. Harold then joined the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture. He was appointed Deputy Minister in 1952 and served in that role for 20 years. His appointment was ratified under Tommy Douglas and he served under four Premiers and five Ministers. Harold contributed to the founding of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, the Western College of Vet Medicine and the Gardiner Dam. Harold also served as Chairman of the Saskatchewan Research Council. Harolds first wife Mary passed away in 1972 and he later married Opal Johnson. He retired from the Saskatchewan Public Service in 1976. Harold and Opal enjoyed a long and happy retirement. They traveled and for a time owned a house in California. Harold always held Saskatchewan Agriculture close to his heart and the province and profession provided him with significant challenges and many honors in return. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law by the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and was appointed as a Distinguished Agrologist and to the Agricultural Hall of Fame. Harold is survived by his loving wife Opal and her children Fay (Will), Charles, Randy and Garth. He is also survived by son Norval (Nora) of Calgary and daughter Jessie Joy (Jim Sutherland) of Vancouver. Harold has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Harold was predeceased by his brothers Fred and Les, and sister Marion. He is survived by sisters Kathleen and Beth Hatlelid of Calgary and Audrey Dennison of Nelson. Harold was a loving husband and father, a loyal friend to many and a visionary public servant. He liked golf and bridge and hunting and fishing. In spite of his many successes he regretted he was only a middling golfer - despite lots of practice. A Memorial Service for Harold will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2007 at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina with Rev. John Haas officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com