HAROLD AUGUSTUS RENOUF

HAROLD AUGUSTUS RENOUF
HAROLD AUGUSTUS RENOUF OC, LLD, FCA b. Sandy Point, Nfld. June 15, 1917, d. peacefully July 4, 2005 Halifax, NS. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Munro); cherished father of Janet, Ann Petley- Jones Robert (Barbara), and Susan (Scott G. Thompson); and much-loved grandfather to Phillip, Evan, Elizabeth, Iain, Matthew, Connor and Roisin. Also survived by his dear sister Sybil (Ross).
A graduate of Dalhousie University with a degree in commerce, Harold was a leading member of Canada's business community. He was a partner in the accounting firm HR Doane and Company from 1942, serving as chair of the firm from 1967 - 1975. In 1974-75, Harold was president of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. During his years with HR Doane, he undertook a number of significant briefs, including the NS Provincial Municipal Fact- finding Commission that reshaped and modernized the structure of the province's towns and cities. He was sole commissioner for the Royal Commission on Gasoline and Diesel Oil Pricing in 1968 and was commissioner for the Royal Commission on the milk industry in 1967 that brought out in him an unexpectedly whimsical fondness for dairy cattle. He left his accounting practice in 1975 to serve as the Atlantic region's commissioner for the Anti-Inflation Board, moving with Dorothy to Ottawa full-time to become the Board's chair from 1977 to 1979. From Ottawa, he and Dorothy moved to Montreal where he served as the newly formed Via Rail's chair from 1982-85. In 1985, he retired and returned to Halifax, attending to his varied private business interests, serving on boards and splitting his time between Nova Scotia and his winter home in Sarasota, Florida.
Brilliant, with a logical and clear- headed approach to any task and an iron-clad sense of ethics, Harold became a valued advisor to many prominent businessmen and politicians from Frank Sobey to Pierre Trudeau. For his many acts of public service, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada, awarded the Commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, named to the Accounting Hall of Fame at St. Mary's University and awarded the Queen's Medal as well as the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
Harold loved the challenge of his work but he loved his family still more. He was happiest puttering around his Pictou Landing cottage or his Sarasota home surrounded by family and friends. We, for our part, loved being around his quick wit and quiet strength. Harold's was truly a life well- lived. He had a profound impact on many and all of us touched by him will miss him.
Visitation will be held at St. Andrew's United Church on Sunday, July 17, 2005 from 2 to 4 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's on Monday, July 18, 2005 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Sandy Point campaign.