BRUGGENCATE, Harvey John, born September 18, 1946 in St. Paul, Alberta, passed away at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on July 10, 2011. Harvey endured a long fight with cancer with courage and dignity and protected his family even at the end, passing away quietly and peacefully. Harvey tried to shield us from the harshness of his illness and keep us safe from his suffering.
He was a wonderful and generous family man and husband. Harvey took care of his family first and foremost, always nurturing, offering guidance and encouragement, throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marion. He was a father and grandfather, and adored his children Dawn Ellingsen (Gerald), Barbara (Lloyd) Ward, and four beautiful grandchildren Leif and Hanna Ellingsen, and Ty and Zac McIntyre, as well as his step-grandchildren Cameron and Jenna Ward. His mother Kate Bruggencate also survives Harvey, sisters Sylvia, Judy, and Carolyn, father-in-law Alfred Wishneski, as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. His father Ben, and mother-in-law Margaret Wishneski predeceased him.
After family first, Harvey loved hot-rodding and his 1940 Ford Sedan. He was a charter member of the West Kootenay Smoke’n Steel Car Club and honoured the camaraderie with his fellow members. Teck kept the family fed during his working days were he worked as a heavy-duty mechanic, retiring in 2005.
We have heartfelt thanks to so many who have supported Harvey and our family over the past three years, including the generosity of family, friends and neighbours. Harvey received exceptional medical care from Donna Markle, Diana Ferguson, Jim Maniago, Dr. Scotland, Riverside Medical Clinic, Dr. Fisher, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Aiken and Dr. Hume, as well as the Third Floor nursing staff and KBRH.
At Harvey’s request, there will not be a service. Al Grywacheski with Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Harvey’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at 565 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J4 or online at www.cancer.ca.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online Memorial Register at: www.myalternatives.ca
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Although these changes
have come
With your chrome heart shining
in the sun
Long may you run.
- Neil Young