Harry was born in Manchester, England to parents Jim and Ivy Lever. Harry was predeceased by his brother, Fred. The Lever family were avid golfers, a sport Harry played through most of his life. Harry served with the Royal Air Force in World War II, stationed in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. After the war, Harry worked as a banker in India, travelling throughout Persia for work. Harry loved India, the culture and food, and while in his nineties, travelled there twice. Transferred to Bahrain, Harry met Katherine and they were married there in 1953, staying an additional year until they emigrated to Canada. Harry worked in the oil patch in the Peace River area and in Calgary until 1972. While in Calgary, Harry became involved in Sailing, and helped found the Calgary Sailing School, which is still in operation today. Harry and Katherine moved the family to Peachland, BC where Harry became the Town Clerk, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. Harry championed many municipal developments and the building of cross-country ski trails in Peachland and taught the sport in the winters. There is a road in Peachland named after Harry Lever, in recognition of his long service to the community.
Harry and Katherine retired to Victoria in 1990 and both soon took up lawn bowling at the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club where they played and socialized for years with family and friends. Harry was a keen on fly fishing and fished throughout Alberta and BC. In 2011, Katherine passed. Harry was the oldest member of the Union Club and an active participant at the Cook Street Seniors Club, often there for lunches, films and exercise class. Harry loved to keep busy and travelled around BC and to India twice with his companion, Louise Manga.
Harry passed peacefully, surrounded by his daughter Margaret, his son Dirk and his wife Alanna and Louise, who held his hand. A special thanks to Dr. Henderson and Dr. Iverson for their compassion and to Doreen Berg for her assistance during the emotional time. Harry will always be remembered as a man who wanted to make a difference in his community, and did.
A service celebrating the life of Harry Lever will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, where his ashes will reside in the crypt next to Katherine.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to “Help Fill a Dream” would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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