Harold Russell O'Connor of Lake Forest, IL and Naples, FL, died peacefully on Oct. 7, 2011 surrounded by his beloved family. His family and friends grieve his loss, but are inspired by the outstanding example of his life and the legacy of service and caring he left behind. Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty; his son, William and his wife Julie of Lake Bluff IL; and his daughters, Janice Hoban and her husband, Tom of Broomfield, CO and Catherine Michaelson and her husband, Paul of Edina MN; also surviving are the grandchildren he so dearly cherished: Katelyn Leighton (Andrew), Sean Hoban; William, Lindsay and Anne Michaelson; Margaret, Daniel and Erin O'Connor; as well as his great-grandson, Elliot Leighton; his sister-in-law, Ruth MacKenzie; his brother-in-law, Richard A. Ward; he was predeceased by his grandson, Baby Billy O'Connor; his sister, Phyllis Ward; his parents, Adrian and Clara O'Connor; his sister-in-laws, Eileen Horsfall and Marilyn Thiessen; and brother-in-laws, Jim Egan, Andrew MacKenzie and Ben Horsfall. Harold was born on May 14, 1922 on a farm near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He received his education in Winnipeg and graduated from St. Paul's High School and immediately went to work for Canadian National Railway in 1940. In 1942, Harold joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served aboard HMCS St. Catharine's convoying between St. Johns, Newfoundland and Londonderry, Ireland, in the North Atlantic run. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 and returned to his employment at Canadian National. In 1947, he married his high school sweetheart and together they had a wonderful life full of love, family, treasured friends and memorable vacations. They moved from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Montreal, Quebec in 1949 after Harold was transferred. While in Montreal, Harold and Betty raised three children and made many, many friends. In 1968, while with WK Davidson and Co. in Montreal, Harold was offered a position with Unity Railway Supply in Chicago as Vice President of sales. In 1972 he was made President of Railway Supply Group, which now consists of three companies: Unity Railway Supply, Ireco Company, and Industry-Railway Suppliers. He was active in the industry, serving as Past President of the Railway Supply Association. He was well respected by colleagues and business partners, and was known for his integrity and loyalty. Until his health declined, Harold served as CEO of the companies he helped to grow. Harold was always enthusiastic about sports, playing hockey in Winnipeg and getting involved in golf. In Montreal he was a member of Summerlea Golf Club. He is a member of North Shore Country Club in Glenview IL and Imperial Golf Club in Naples, FL. Together, Harold and Betty had several golf vacations and two of their favorite places were Carmel, CA and Greenbriar, WV. They also had wonderful times golfing in Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. He was an ardent golfer and loved the game and all his friends he met on the golf course. Harold was happiest when surrounded by his beloved family, all of whom will miss him dearly. A Memorial Service celebrating Harold's life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 at
Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, 525 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60661 or The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship at 1 Briar Rd., Golf, IL 60029-2000. Info., (847) 675-1990 or
www.donnellanfuneral.com.
