Albert Harland

Gwampa, and latterly Mr. Toad as he took to scootering with many a wild ride. Last seen heading to the Toy Fair at Pearkes Arena but got promoted to Glory by the time he reached the Shell station. So sorry your heart decided to take a vacation and you didnt make it dad - it was a good toy fair with many airplane kits and other toys - you would have loved it - but then again - you loved all the little pleasures life had to offer. Always a self-proclaimed HAPPY FINANCIAL FAILURE - you enthusiastically shared the joys of getting a good parking place or MJB coffee on sale at Country Grocers with the rest of us nuts. We will miss hearing about the latest hot sale in the flyers each week and going on our shopping missions - after stopping to get an extra small triple triple at Timmys first of course! Many people on your scooter route will miss your big grin as you blasted off to the library to get an airplane magazine or a delicious piece of cod for dinner. You were man of faith - you had your own set of values - more in line with St. Luneys than any other Christian denomination. You will be remembered for the bravery with which you faced your heart and COPD issues - hope we can all take what life dishes out and handle it with the enthusiasm and lust for life that you demonstrated. Thanks for being such a steady swimming volunteer driver for the kids at Safe Harbour School for all those years - you were reliable and kept the boys safe and under control in the change rooms - enjoying the silly jokes certain little boys told in the back of your car week after week and laughing along. Yes, Dad you gave all you had until the last gasp. All though you never did figure out what you wanted to be when you grew up, you tried many things which included the Royal Air Force, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Tahsis chipper mill worker, carwasher/detail guy, counsellor, etc. and finally the job you loved most at the Coast Guard as Commissionaire with your good pal Derrick (until emphysema put a stop to that at the age or 78), not bad. If anything sums up your life it would be Always look on the bright side of Life from the movie LIFE OF BRIAN... it always gave us a good laugh. Hope to see you again one day in that big model airplane flying field just to the left of the Rainbow Bridge with a herd of our family pets. We all miss you Dad. NON ILLIGITIMUS CARBORUNDUM! PS - Many thanks to the good folks at the COPD Education & Rehab Centre at the Jubilee - you gave Al back his joy and will to live by educating him about his disease and empowering him by teaching him how to manage that disease. After being told to go home and die upon first being diagnosed - your course showed him that this was hogwash and opened up the possibilities of enjoying life optimally. It provided a forum for other COPD patients to learn and share their experiences which built up their confidence and independence. This course is invaluable to patients and supporting family members alike - its funding should be continued and increased as it saves thousands of dollars in unnecessary ER visits every year as well as the health of caregiving family members. Celebration of life to be held at Salvation Army Citadel Corps, 4030 Douglas St., at 3 pm, May 19, 2013. In lieu of flowers please donate to Adult Community Respiratory Care Centre, 4th floor, Jubilee Hospital.