HAROLD GEORGE GILES

HAROLD GEORGE GILES It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Harold George Giles, age 82, died January 9, 2024 in Calgary. surrounded in love with his family. Harold will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Joyce (Southern); son, Philip (Elizabeth); daughter, Val (Ted); and four grandchildren, Sarah, Leah, Andrew, and Thomas. Harold was born to George and Sarah (Stark) Giles in Rouyn-Noranda Quebec. His childhood years were spent in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Ontario. After graduating Technical College in Montreal, Harold moved to Toronto to work for Collins Radio where he met the love of his life Joyce. They married in 1961 and moved into an apartment in Don Mills, Ontario. It was here they welcomed their two children and met many of their closest lifelong friends. Harold went back to university following the birth of his children, working full-time and taking classes at night, graduating from York University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Shortly after he began a long and successful career with General Electric, starting as a maintenance supervisor in a Toronto facility, working his way to Executive VP of Human Resources. During his career with GE, he moved extensively, including to Toronto, Cape Breton (NS), Guelph, Stratford upon Avon (England), Fairfield (CT), and Cleveland (OH). In 1995 Bell Canada enticed him to leave GE to restructure the company, moving to Montreal as the Group VP, Human Resources. He 'retired' a couple of years later to live in a home he built on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston. After retirement Harold continued to work providing his expertise to large companies that required restructuring including: SGS, Allstream, and Clearwater Fisheries (where he became a member of the board of directors). Eventually, he left Kingston and moved back to Toronto with Joyce where they could enjoy the vibrant city life. Harold was a seasoned traveler and has been to almost every corner of the earth including most of Europe, China, Japan, Australia, Russia and India. His passions were sailing, driving fast in his beloved Porsche's, and giving his time and intelligence to help make the world a better place for so many. Harold has been described by his colleagues and close friends as a man of great character, intelligence and compassion who was kind to all. The family could not agree more and we will honour his amazing life with the respect and dignity that he is so deserving of. The family would like to thank the staff of the Journey Club in Calgary AB where Harold spent the last two and a half years of his life. You cared for Harold in a way that preserved his dignity and provided opportunities for him to continue to live life happily. We would also like to thank Dr. Cheema for her compassion and expert knowledge in end of life care. Harold was predeceased by his siblings Clifford and Jeananne (Barnett). A service will be held for Harold at the Morely Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.) on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Godspeed.