Harvey Zechel
Harvey passed away April 20, 2017 at the Pinawa Hospital, at the age of 74.
Born in Winnipeg on May 2, 1942 Harvey Lloyd Zechel was the second eldest of five siblings. He is survived by his wife Dagmar, mother Edith, brothers Gordon (Jaqueline) and Jerry (Ingrid), sisters Joyce (Al) and Donna (Mike), five children Laura (Todd), Paul (Cindy), David (Corina), Daniel (Kelly), Kathy (Kris), Dagmar’s children Jennifer (Jamie) and Nicole (Glenn), as well as 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father Willard and children Anthony and Sheryl. Harvey was always happiest when he was surrounded by his friends and family. We will miss his wry sense of wit and humour, his curiosity about the world around him, his generosity, and his gentle manner.
Harvey began his career as an electrician with Kelvin Electric in 1961, and continued to work in that field for over 55 years. He was employed by Shell Oil, Manitoba Hydro, Atomic Energy of Canada and Winnipeg Hydro. He also operated his own electrical contracting business, Eastman Electric, for many years, serving customers in the Whiteshell area. Never one to be idle, he was still wiring cottages right up until his cancer diagnosis.
During his 10 years with Manitoba Hydro he was stationed at Gillam and all of the Winnipeg River power plants, including Pine Falls, Great Falls, MacArthur Falls and Seven Sisters. He retired in 2002 from Winnipeg Hydro after 16 years as the electrical supervisor of Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls power dams.
Harvey also co-owned and operated Otter Falls Resort with his brother Gordon for several years in the 1970’s and owned neighbouring Riverview Lodge for several years. An accomplished carpenter, he constructed many cottages, buildings and homes, spending the last 20 years in his hand-crafted waterfront home at Golden Acres in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Harvey was a true outdoorsman who loved the forests, rivers, and lakes of the north Whiteshell. He enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing, golf, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and photography. Going out in the boat to catch Goldeye to smoke, or clearing trails to access the rock ridges, Harvey was at his finest when he was on the water or in the bush,
One of Harvey’s greatest passions was archaeology. For over six decades he scoured the banks of the Winnipeg River, accumulating an impressive collection of historic artifacts, all carefully researched and documented. He worked closely with the Manitoba Museum and the University of Manitoba, sharing his wealth of knowledge, artifacts, notes, logs and maps for the benefit of Manitoba’s historical record. He even had his own museum in his home, where he hosted many visitors. In 2016 he was awarded a plaque from the Manitoba Archaeological Society for his contributions to this field.
In December 2016 Harvey was diagnosed with mesothelioma, spending his last weeks in palliative care at the Pinawa Hospital. Our families extend many thanks to Dr. Bruneau and the hospital staff who helped make his final days dignified, peaceful, and comforting.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, River Hills, Manitoba. Reception to follow at the Whitemouth Community Centre. Donations in Harvey’s name can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation, 4302 – 50 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON M4W 0A3. Private interment will take place at a later date.
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Kathy
We are so sadden in the loss of your Harvey Our prayers and thoughts are with u and
your family
fr. KATE, Bernice and Donna
Edmund & Edith Wittenberg
Dagmar & Zechel families
Thinking of you all at this time of sorrow. May happy memories and times spent together help you through this difficult time.
Dagmar, take comfort in knowing the love you both had for each other, and remembering all the great times you shared together.
Edmund & Edith Wittenberg
Roy & Becky Bechard
Harvey and Dagmar you were a model for so many folks always willing to share and give assistance to others with such passion , you truly made are day when we visited you at your wonderful home these memories we shall always cherish. Roy & Becky Bechard. Winnipeg.
Lynne Martin
Our most sincere sympathy to all the family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lynne Martin
Barrier Bay
Donna Burgoyne
Sincere condolences to Dagmar and family at this time. Cherish your memories.
Jan Currier
We were so sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing.
He was always warm, welcoming and kind to all. I always loved his sense of humour. From all of our family, we send our love and condolences to Dagmar and all of Harvey’s family. We will always keep your memory close. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Love to all from
Jan Currier and all of the Cook family.
(Laura’s sister in law)❤️
Barbara Mesojednik
To Dagmar, and Family”
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Harvey”
Prayers and Hugs”’
Barb Mesojednik and Family”
(Jacki’s sister)
Herb & Leona Weidman & family
Jackie and Gordon: Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear brother and brother-in-law. God be with you all and give you His comfort and Peace.
Shelley Pastrick
We are very saddened to hear of Harvey’s passing. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Shelley & Bill Pastrick, Dorothy Lake
Ron & Suzanne Grierson
God bless you, Dagmar & family, at this difficult time. May He bestow you all with extra strength and inner peace. Most sincere condolences
Bruce Huchko
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Harvey. Our deepest sympathies to the Zechel families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
The Huchko Family
Otter Falls
Don and Darlene Bester
Dagmar
We are so sad to hear of Harvey’s passing. We will be forever grateful to Harvey for our son-in-law, Danny, whom we love dearly. Kelly was always grateful to have you both in her life. Our many trips to Winnipeg always included a fun weekend at your home and we will always treasure those memories. We are so glad to have had shared a warm friendship with both you and Harvey.
robert church
Harvey was such an iconic, larger than life figure in the Whiteshell. He could fix anything, build anything, do anything and knew everyone. As a neighbor to my parents for many years, he always had time to help out with every project and job that turned up, and it seemed the bigger the challenge, the more he enjoyed it. I said goodbye to Harvey at the end of last summer as we left to return home to Alberta, never considering for a second that we wouldn’t meet again. It is heartbreaking that he was taken so quickly. My condolences and thoughts go out to Dagmar and all of your family through this sad time. Rest in Peace Harvey, you left this world a better place.