October 24, 1955 ~ August 8, 2019
Harry is survived by his beloved wife Debbie, predeceased by his father Andrew Otchenash, brother Joseph Paul and is survived by his mother Pauline (Brian), brother Howard (Suzanne), Sadie and Zach and various other relatives, near and far.
Harry was born in Yorkton, SK, grew up in Rivers, MB before moving to Winnipeg in 1967. He attended Westwood Collegiate and also RRCC where he received his provincial electrician certificate and Calgary Tech College for his interprovincial certificate. What many people don’t know is that Harry was also a skilled musician as a young man, playing the violin and also the drums.
In 1980 he began work at CNR. Rising quickly through the ranks, he worked at headquarters in Montreal and returned to Winnipeg Symington before leaving CN in 1998. He then went on to run short line railways in The Pas and Prince Albert. Next, Harry began another railway job with GM in Winnipeg, which came with a new car every three months and made him the envy of his car-loving friends.
In 2006, the big adventure of his life began. A two year contract turned into ten years in what became Harry’s second home; Australia. He learned new Aussie “lingo”, how to drive on the right side of the car and wrong side of the road, found snakes in his office lights, giant bugs in his home, frogs in the toilets and developed a wicked addiction to Tim Tams. He also made lasting friendships with everyone he worked with.
Retirement in 2016 meant a final move back to Canada, the ice and snow, the “forever” home and of course, golf any old day of the week. Anyone who knows Harry knows he loves his sports. He was always an athlete, excelling in volleyball, and AAA hockey as a young man. Golf was his true passion and he was fortunate enough to play at some of the worlds most beautiful courses. He got in “a game or two” in Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Borneo and Singapore, not to mention all over Australia, the US and Canada. Most recently he was a member at Pinawa golf course and played as often as he could.
Thanks so much to all the amazing, strong and wonderful women from Beausejour Hospital, home care, respite care and the palliative care team. Thanks to Dr. Rehana Alarakhia from HSC whose hard work, compassion and kindness was a gift. Special thanks also to Zenda whose beautiful spirit made an incredible difference and gave strength and courage when it was desperately needed. Gratitude to Mary and Charlie, so much more than friends, who went above and beyond every day. To the women in my family and Harry’s mom who sat vigil with me, who told stories and tried to take some of the burden, thank you.
A love letter to my husband
Harry you were an amazing man. You could turn your hand to anything and your job jar was always full to overflowing as we worked together to create our forever nest. You always gave it your all, taking care of me and our home and helping my ideas come to life. You were smart, kind, caring, patient, and funny and we had many wonderful adventures together. You indulged your passion for golf whenever you could and all our vacations were golf vacations with “other stuff” that I could spend time doing. We spent over half our lives together but it could never be enough. I am a better woman for knowing and loving and being loved by you, my Harry.
In that last dance of chances
I shall partner you no more
I shall watch another turn you
As you move across the floor
In that last dance of chances
We shall know each other’s minds
We shall part with no regrets
When the ties no longer bind
In that last dance of chances
When I know you’ll not be mine
I will let you go with longing
And the hope that you’ll be fine
In that last dance of chances
When I bid your life goodbye
I hope she treats you kindly
I hope you learn to fly
Author unknown
Sleep well my love, remember, you promised.
Memorial to be held on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour.
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Jim Karran
Harry we will never forget you. The day we spent playing golf at Wildwood, I will never forget, and the day you won the trophy. Good-bye my friend until we will meet again.
Mitch Gobeil
Very nice words. Truly touching. Harry my friend I will miss your laughter, your smile and mostly your friendship.
My condolences to your family.
Marion. Olinyk berard
It was a pleasure to meet you. My thoughts are with you and Harry.
Kate McLean
So sad to hear of Harry’s passing. Debbie and Harry lives next door to my mum in Brisbane.
They took her to dinner with them ,picked her up many times when she fell over in her 80’s and just became dear friends to Marie and her family.
Harry’s loved dogs would come over and chase Marie’s cat! That friendship will never be forgotten by the Pearson family.
Our condolences to Debbie and all Harry’s family and friends.
Always in our hearts- rest in peace Harry.
Billy J. Kroeger
Went to school with you Harry…Way back in Rivers mb. (I still live there, right across from the school now) You were a kind, funny, very athletic guy, that made friends easily…R.I. P. my friend… My condolences to your family…
Jerry Winnicki
I am so sorry to hear about Harold. We spent so much time together growing up and then we became adults and our jobs took us in different directions and places. I will always have wonderful memories of doing things together with Harold when he came out to the farm. I wish we could have stayed in touch. Life seems to go by so quickly. My sincere condolences to all his family.
David Armstrong
People can claim to have known Presidents, Prime Ministers and famous actors. But that will never compare as I knew, worked with and was mates with Harry.
My deepest condolences to all of his family.
Keith Gilbert
I worked with Harry during his brief tenure in Montreal. Fortunately, our offices were close and we spent a lot of time BSing about how to make the world better. We had great times talking sports, life and other challenges. We played golf in the Winnipeg Hook & Slice a couple of times and it was always a day full of laughs! Old friend, the only regret I have for you is that you didn’t join John Sadler & I on the boys trip to Boston to see the Bruins on Saturday and the Celtics on Sunday – All at the old Boston Garden!
To Debbie & Harry’s family I can only send you my heartfelt condolences on the loss of a super guy. Harry had a beautiful way about him to interface with people which I will sincerely miss.
God speed my friend!
Patrick O'Donnell
I was very lucky to know you Harry O. You had a big positive impact on my life and many others down under that knew you! I have so many fond memories of working with you in Australia. You were kind, to the point and passionate and you bought out the best in all of us. Your Aussie mates down under will get together to have a beer and remember the great times we had with Harry. I hope the golf courses are to your liking in heaven and your lunch box has some additional treats.
To Debbie and the family my sincerest condolences.
Chris prebble
Harry
Great man and friend and I will always value the compliment you gave me a few years back saying “you’re a good hardworking man” to me.
I know that was a huge compliment coming from you. I’ll always remember it and it represents your strong values. I’d like to now say the same to you………
I had the honour to spend some time and travel a bit with you, always enjoyed this and learnt most of what I know of rail from you.
I’ll miss you mate as will all the guys in Australia.
Chris
John Sadler
Harry
I will always have a professional respect for you and your contribution to the railways you have worked for through your careers. You left each railroad better and everyone you touched in those organizations, including myself, as better railroaders. As always, you enjoyed having fun along that journey, and I certainly enjoyed sharing some of that in our days in Montreal. When you returned back to Canada, it was always a pleasure to have coffee with you, catch up, and listen to your opinions.
Sincerest condolences Debbie and family.
Betty Duncan
I remember you well from many years ago in Rivers. I used to babysit you and your Brother. Your dear Mom and I worked together at Rivers Air Base.- my condolences to your wife and family. Sincerely . Betty Duncan, London On.
Kel Hoole
I was extremely fortunate to have Harry as my friend. Having met and worked closely with Harry during his 2 year (sorry, make that 10 years) tenure in Australia, I came to know him as a man with exceptional standards both professionally and personally. Not one to suffer fools, however was respected by many due to his ability to coach and raise the bar for us all to become better at what, and how we do things – including golf!
A wicked sense of humour which Harry would use to full advantage just at the right moments, kept him in keeping with the typical Aussie larrikin style.
You will be sorely missed Harry, my heartfelt condolences to Debbie and the extended family.
Kel
Derek Black
Condolences to Debbie and the family -thinking of you at this difficult time!
Chris Gray
Harry was a great guy, one of those leaders who brought the best out of people.
I sat on the right side of Harry in Brisbane so I called myself Harry’s right hand man much to his amusement.
We often talked about current affairs until some other manager would show us the code of conduct book, of which we took very little notice.
One day I offered Harry some Paw Paw. He just looked at me and said ” I’m not eating anything with a name like that.
Harry will be sadly missed.
To Debbie and the family my sincerest condolences.
Jacqueline Manders
I was Harry’s PA in 2012. He had a wicked sense of humour and I really enjoyed our time. I remember him freaking out when he found me on all fours in his office when I was 8 months pregnant, he thought I was in labour, I only dropped my Biro. Lol. I’ve only just heard of his passing and wanted to offer my condolences.