Harold Sisson Obituary


SISSON, William Harold Charles (Hal) March 16, 1921 December 26, 2009 Hal Sisson passed away of severe Aortic Stenosis after 18 days in hospital waiting for a heart valve replacement. He was able to spend Christmas day at home, but unfortunately the medical bureaucracy moved too slowly for the operation to take place. The following was written by Hal: The best thing about getting old is that you didn't die young. Continual prompting by my comely, long-suffering wife Doreen, causes me to write my own obituary. Therefore I am telling you that I tried not to pass peacefully (as 99% of obits mention) to join my erstwhile loved ones in heaven, hell, the Emerald City or the choir invisible. Being of rational mind I tried to hang around as long as I could, knowing I wasn't going anywhere else the reason being that I am a dead atheist and they are non persona grata anywhere. I did not belong to any of the innumerable, fear-mongering, holier-thanthou religions plaguing our planet and causing the majority of society's problems. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the oldest child of Karl and Lillian Sisson, I lived in nearby Pasqua till my school-teacher father died when I was seven. Two younger brothers, Ted and Alan, and a sister Karol, have predeceased me. What did I do while alive? A good question. I spent four years in the RCAF as an armourer in Squadron #135 (Hurricanes in Alaska) and #422 (Sunderland Flying boats in Coastal Command in Ireland and Wales). It is not until you get a lot older that you learn the utter futility of war and who the s.o.b.'s are who cause and run these immoral and illegal wars in their own self-interest I'm talking about the military/industrial/banking complex and the corporate fascist police state that has gradually taken over society. This is a planet we live on, not an American empire. I graduated from the law school at the University of Saskatchewan in 1951, and practiced law in the town and judicial district of Peace River, Alberta from 1953 till retirement to Victoria in approx 1990. As a defence lawyer I tried my damnedest to instil a sense of justice into the RCMP. While so engaged, and in order to preserve my sanity dealing with other people's problems, my main hobby was stand-up comedy; and am particularly proud of my part in the formation of Peace Players, whose main annual production over more than twenty years was `Sorry `Bout That' a burlesque show in the true sense of the genre, for which I gathered the material, produced and acted in the show. You can't beat a mixture of comedy, dancing girls and booze to produce a winning theatrical combination Shortly before retiring from the law I began to write true small town humourous Canadian anecdota with my law partner Dwayne Rowe (Coots, Codgers and Curmudgeons; Garage Sale of the Mind); murder mystery and action-adventure novels featuring old fart sleuths like Dwart Farquhart and Phil Figgwiggin (Fat Lot of Good, Maquiladora Mayhem, You Should Live So Long, The Big Bamboozle, Potshots, and Caverns of the Cross); an anthology of authentic burlesque skits (Sorry `Bout That); and Modus Operandi 9/11 a factional novel about the machinations of the New World Order and what really happened to the NY trade center buildings on that fateful day. You can still buy any or all my books which reflect my views as best I could and I strongly recommend that you do. Contact Global Outlook, P.O. Box #222, Oro, Ontario, L0L 2X0 [email protected] www.globaloutlook.ca phone toll-free with Credit card info to:1-888-713-8500 or overseas 1-705-720-6500. Go to www.halsisson.ca for further details. My other hobbies marble collector and player (once made top 24 player world category); croquet player, International and USCA rules; fly fisherman and table tennis player. My siblings and friends my age have nearly all kicked the bucket. I regretfully leave my loving wife Doreen, my children loquacious and tenacious Ted and talented and loving Lindy, grandchildren Cydney, Jeremy and Corey, nieces and nephews and younger friends, to carry on having as great a time as possible in an ever-increasingly complex and weird world. Goodbye and Good Luck I loved you all. When all is said and done, more is said than done but just keep hoping for the best, expecting the worst, because life is a play and we're all unrehearsed! A remembrance celebration will be held at Hermann's Jazz Club 753 View Street, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, January 16 from 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Flowers respectfully declined. 573289

Published by The Times Colonist from Dec. 29, 2009 to Jan. 2, 2010.

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Memories and Condolences
for Harold Sisson

Sponsored by Lindy Sisson, V3J 3J6, daughter.

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29 Entries

My condolences to the Sisson family. Today I was saddened to learn, that my favorite new author had already passed away a year ago. Nevertheless I want to thank Harold Sisson for showing us the way, how to write, and how to go out in style. His last impression (as he intended) on me, and many others I am sure, is of a superior intelligence, a member of the rabble in good standing, and a seeker for truth who gave us many laughs along the way. Also thank you to Lindy Sisson for keeping this guest book online.
Sincerely,

Imants Virsnieks

February 12, 2011

Doreen and Family;
Glad to have shared the croquet court with you this past summer in Mission and Campbell River. Your humor off the court and cunning strategy on the court will be missed.

Chris Percival-Smith

January 13, 2010

Ted, Lindy and Family,

Sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad, he truly was an inspirational and genuine character.
I did not realize how great his amazing contribution was until viewing his web site - I look forward to reading some of his work. Reading his wonderful obituary, I share closely many of his beliefs and values - Thanks Hal :)

Best Regards,
Jim

Jim Barrow

January 8, 2010

Dear Doreen and family, "Sorry About That"The great times we all enjoyed getting all those productions ready for the big shows will continue to be fond memories.Keep well!Lucy McLeod

January 6, 2010

Dear Sisson Family:
It was with great sadness that I learned of Hal's passing. He was a joy
to know,discuss and generally enjoy a
a cup of tea over. His sharp wit and
passion for life was very infectious.
Even at the end,reading his obituary
was the height of all irony;an essay
not only about his life but still
givin' it to the Military Industrial
Complex,something that the Times
Colonist woudn't have normally printed.
Way to not go peacefully!
Thank-you for letting me get to know
you even for such a short time.
Brad Loomes

Brad Loomes

January 5, 2010

Dear Sisson family:

Very sorry to hear of Hal's passing. I had the honour of knowing him for just the last couple of years and he was a great! inspiration and hero of mine.

Sincerely,

Dave Fodor

January 3, 2010

I have just informed of Hal's passing and my deepest sympathy to Doreen and family.
Hal Sisson was a lot of fun when I lived in Peace River, and worked with him on "Sorry 'Bout That" at the church hall.
He will be missed.

Chuck Benson

January 3, 2010

Doreen, Ted, Lindy and family,

We would like to express our sincere sympathy to you. That has to be the best obituary I have ever read. Hal is still making us laugh.

Karen & Jerrold Lundgard

Karen Lundgard

January 3, 2010

Doreen,

My condolences to you and your family on the loss of such an entertaining man.

I don't know you, or, your family, but, I am glad you encouraged him to write his own obituary, I wish I had known him and would have loved to sit and listen to him orate, as I am sure he did it with great animation!!

I am sure your and yours have marvellous memories to help you through these days.

Mildred

January 3, 2010

Doreen, I'd like to extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I only knew Hal for two or three years, but he was such a special man. He used humour to get his points across, but under that humour he was also very seriously concerned about the state of our world, and gave a great deal of himself, wisely, kindly, and fairly, to others who cared as well. He was a model of his generation, and a person to remember with gratitude.

Elizabeth Woodworth

January 2, 2010

You and your wit will be missed Hal. It seems as if the good ones always die young! Here's to a life well lived! Thanks again for the laughter Hal.

Joel Hemmerling

January 2, 2010

Hi Hal
I don't know if you'll get a chance to read this, but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your book Modus Operandi 9/11. I payed tribute to your memory on my last radio show. http://www.archive.org/details/UnboughtAndUnbossedShow-ATributeToHalSissonQc
Thank you for your bravery and honesty. So, what is the next life like? You can tell me in my dreams tonight. Love and Respect,
Raymond

Raymond Geisler

January 1, 2010

My sincere condolences to the Sisson family, and to his many friends and fans. I, like many others will miss him, and in honour of him, I have established a tribute page for him here:
http://www.fv911truth.org/RememberingHalSisson.html

Fairwell old friend and thank you for everything!


Wayne

Wayne Prante

January 1, 2010

Linda Farris - So sorry to hear Hal has moved on. I first met Hal on a flight to San Francisco to my first Croquet Tournament with Bob, Brian, etc. That was in 1989, 20 years ago. Hal turned out to my partner in one of my first games. A great guy! An unforgetable character!
Vancouver, BC

Linda Farris

December 31, 2009

Doreen, My sympathy and my thoughts are with you and your family. I have very many fond memories of Hal whether it was his many appearances in Peace Players productions or his occasional appearances before Town Council. His tremendous acting ability was evident in both these arenas and was always enjoyed by all of us.
Sincerely,
Michael Procter

Michael Procter

December 30, 2009

Doreen,
I've been trying to call you but the address book with your phone number is AWOL. Although I haven't been around lately he was still a part of my life
as are you. We need to get together via phone, email or in person whenever you can.
Love, Pat












although I

Pat Poapst

December 30, 2009

When I read Wm. Sisson story it made me think of how brilliant this man was and how he figured out his life. Serving his country and contributing to everyone thru his books and humour. He's going to be missed.
My condolences to his wife and family.

Dennis Jamieson

December 30, 2009

Sorry to hear about Mr. Sisson's death. I was a fan.

Elizabeth MacDonell

December 30, 2009

I will so enjoy reading Hal's books. He is an absolute gem!

Wanda Laurin

December 30, 2009

Doreen, Hal epitomized the essence of imaginative creativeness in virtually everything he did in life. He was an excellent lawyer and fitted the stage with grace and aplomb. I dearly loved the man his humour and quick wittedeness. I'm so glad I met him at Dwayne's in June. His own obit was hilariously funny as I read it with tears in my eyes. He was a long time friend and I shall miss him so.

My condolences to you & family
Al Romanchuk,
Edmonton

December 30, 2009

December 30, 2009

Dear Doreen, Lindy and Ted,

I have many wonderful memories of Hal and his amazing Sorry 'Bout That. It was a privilege to have known him. My heartfelt condolences go out to you.

Mel Sherris

December 30, 2009

Hal was one of those who was always a delight, always hilariously provocative, and brought grins to the faces of all around him. He was one of those who shall be forever remembered with fondness and pride.

I am so pleased and delighted that he made his way to the lawns in Mission this summer. I'm sure he's half way round a 4-ball break as I write.

You will be missed....

The kindest of thoughts go out to Doreen and family.

cheers
sd

Steve Dimond

December 29, 2009

you will be so truly missed...thank you for you humour and your stories. My sincerest condolences for the family.

Georgina La Hue

December 29, 2009

Well Hal, you're still socking it to them even after you've exited stage left! Good on ya' pal. I'm going to miss you and I'm really sorry that I'm going to miss your wake since I'm down under in Oz for a month. Doreen, My sincerest sympathy to you and the kids, Hal was a great guy and he will be sorely missed by a lot of people. I am truly saddened by his passing. Mike Holt - Victoria and temporarily Queensland.

December 29, 2009

Doreen, Lindy and Ted,

Ann and I were much saddened on hearing of Hal's "exit off stage". He was a wonderful man who brought humour, joy and warmth to all who worked with him, both on and off stage. His generosity of spirit and his encouragement will be greatly missed. We feel privileged to have known Hal - he was a rare treasure of a man. Please accept our condolences.

Ann and Mike
Peace River

Mike & Ann Arnold

December 29, 2009

Hal, you will be missed so much. Thank you for your jokes, puzzles and knowledge. You will continue to be an inspiration to me. My sincerest condolences to your family.

"Over and out" Hal,
your friend,
Selena

Selena Roberts

December 29, 2009

To Doreen:

You and Hal were a major and delightful part of our Peace River story. I remember with great glee Hal's particular form of lunacy, especially when I worked in the office with him and Lloyd. It was lots of fun with you both - the happiest time of our life, I believe.

Love and sympathy to you and the family.

Ellen Lee

Ellen Lee

December 29, 2009

Doreen and Family:
I counted Hal as a treasured entertaining character. He was a friend and much enjoyed author whose insight of humor has often made my life a lot more enjoyable. Hal stories will keep me grounded whenever I contemplate the incomprehensible silliness of mankind and our mystical beliefs.

My sincere condolences

Harry Atkinson

December 29, 2009

No one can put in words how you must feel right now but know that there are many of us who want to help in any way we can. you are not alone.
So sorry, Doreen
All the best
Andy

Andy Mulcahy

December 29, 2009

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