Ronald John Harvie

HARVIE, Ronald John Passed away on May 9, 2010 at Cowichan District Hospital at the age of 84. Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy and his sons Thomas (Jamie), John, Brett (Leean) and grandchildren, Thomas, Sarah, Jessica, Ronnie, Mackenzie, Samuel and Ewan, and great-grand daughter, Brooklyn. Ron was born in Edmonton and after completing high school, he joined the army, volunteering for training as a paratrooper, specializing in demolition work. Luckily the war was over before he completed training. Ron enrolled in the University of Alberta in the faculty of Agriculture. In September 1951 he married Margaret Marie Cross. They traveled to Trinidad where Ron completed a year of postgraduate training in Tropical Agriculture. In July 1952, they moved on to Uganda, East Africa to work for the British Colonial office. Ron spent 10 years in various parts of Uganda and Malawi. In 1956, Ron became sick while on safari. It turned out to be a near fatal illness for him. He lost his left eye at that time due the infection he had, which centered in that eye. Because of a long recuperation period, he was unable to accept the position as Lecturer in Tropical Agriculture at Cambridge University in England as had been arranged. Instead, after home leave, he returned to Africa on promotion, as Provincial Agricultural Officer, Malawi. In 1962 he returned to Edmonton, received his certificate of Education and commenced teaching there. In 1964, the family moved to Duncan where Ron taught at Mt. Prevost Junior Secondary until retiring in 1985. During this time, Ron was also able to work for the Canadian Government and the World Bank in South Africa, Guyana, Nigeria and Iran. Ron lived by the creed of Robert Service, ""a promise made is a debt unpaid"", but what he'll be most remembered for was his unwavering devotion and service to his family. Ron loved gardening and visiting with his former students while running errands in and around Duncan. A Celebration of Ron's life will be held at a later date at the River's Edge Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Arthritis Society. The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Cowichan District Hospital and Drs. Harris and Fuches. 589198