McCurdy, (Died)

McCURDY, Harley D. - Passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital after a brief illness on Monday, February 27, 2012. Harley Daniel McCurdy was born December 9th, 1921, the oldest of five children to the late Joseph and Hannah McCurdy. Left to mourn his loss is his loving wife of 65 years to E. Ruth McCurdy (nee Williacy). Dear father of the late Mary-Lou Gillies of St. Thomas and Lynda Martin and her husband Peter of Brantford, and father-in-law of Jim Gillies and his wife Cathy of St. Thomas. Cherished grandfather of Lorissa (Derek) of London, Stuart (Sarah) of Brantford, Dan (Tammy) of St. Thomas and great grandfather of Jared, Mark, Melissa, Ella and Gavin. Dear brother of Sandy (Rita) McCurdy, Allan (Bertha) McCurdy and brother-in-law of Betty Williacy, Ted Williacy, Edna Williacy and June McCurdy. Predeceased by his sister Ruth (Bud Love) McCurdy, and by his brother Russell McCurdy. Harley was a very proud veteran of the Second World War. He joined the Navy at the age of 19, and served on the Corvette Mayflower. He often said these were the best years of his life. He returned to Woodstock to pursue his career as a master plumber, developing his trade at Bickerton's, then on to start up his own plumbing and heating business. He was known as a very honest and trustworthy man to do business with. Harley then went to the Oxford Regional Centre as a maintenance plumber, retiring in 1980. He continued to enjoy this time by attending auctions and flea markets, acquiring interesting and unusual items that took his fancy, turning these into many beautiful decorative items. Harley belonged to many local service clubs; The Oxford County Naval Veterans Association, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #55 Woodstock, Odd Fellows Lodge, the Oxford Masonic Lodge # 76 and the Scottish Rite. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at a later date. If desired, contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Sunshine Foundation or the London Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated and may be arranged through the BROCK and VISSER FUNERAL HOME, Woodstock (519-539- 0004). Online condolences at www.brockandvisser.com