October 13, 1927 - November 21, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward John Victor (Vic) Harwood on November 21, 2019 at 92 years of age. He is survived by his family; wife Beverley, son Bruce (Heather), daughter Barbara, grandson Ryan, nieces Kath, Nan, Joanne, nephew Christopher, sister-in-law Pris, as well as great nieces and nephews. Vic was predeceased his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Jess Harwood and his brother-in-law Ian Morrison.
Vic was born in Vernon to Ted and Nelly Harwood on October 13, 1927. After graduating from high school he started working for the Bank of Montreal, first in Prince George. In 1950, Vic met and married Beverley Morrison in North Vancouver. Together, Vic and Bev lived in various communities in B.C., including Vancouver, Osoyoos, Port Alberni, Hope, and Prince Rupert. In 1970 he returned to Vernon as the local BMO's bank manager.
After 38 years working at the bank, Vic decided to leave in 1983, becoming a successful real estate agent for Block Bros. Realty (winning Rookie of the Year in 1984). He then took the position of Loans Officer with the North Okanagan Development Corporation (now Community Futures) in 1986. Vic was a leading figure managing the expansion of Community Futures from a single office to its current downtown building. He was a founding director of the Okanagan Film Commission. During the 90s he provided business education and development in Russia and supervised micro-loans in Indonesia. Even after retirement Vic continued to volunteer with Community Futures as a Board Member up to his 91st year. For his continued service, he was awarded the Al McCracken Memorial Award in 2013. In business, Vic was passionate, articulate, loyal and gave generously of his time, touching and affecting many in his community.
Vic was a lover of the outdoors and an avid skier from a young age to well into his late eighties. When he lived in Prince Rupert, he started a ski club and taught many people how to ski. In Vernon, he was in instrumental in organizing the alpine events at the inaugural Vernon Winter Carnival.
Vic will always be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his sharp intelligence and his keen sense of humour. He had a lifelong love of reading; in later years he could be seen daily in his favorite seat, smoking one of his treasured pipes and enjoying a stack of mysteries or naval books.
The family wishes to send special thanks to the North Okanagan Hospice House for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice House and to the McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Centre. Cremation preceded the Funeral Service which will be held in the Spring of 2020 at All Saints Anglican Church in Vernon.
Cremation arrangements were made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5, 250-542-1187.