Challis, D. Harry

Died at home holding his eldest daughter’s hand and with his fiercely loyal dog Gizmo by his side. In the final months of his life it was the tender devotion and friendship of his caregivers that sustained him, and the undying love of his three daughters, Cindy Hums (Roy), Leslie Stafford (John) and Marcia McAlpin (Colin). He was a true friend to his sons in law and a committed and curious Grampa to Thomas, Robert, Jacob, Bubba to Arden, great grandfather of Kai and Ava. Born to Mabel and Frederick in small town Saskatchewan, Harry is predeceased by his parents, his brother Kent (Marguerite) and his only love -- his wife Shirley (2009), together for 59 years. In 1943, Harry enlisted in the RCAF and while on sick leave met Shirley at Sauble Beach, ON. After training in Canada he was sent overseas and joined 100 Squadron, training on a Lancaster Bomber. He flew 15 operations in the Lancaster as the Tail Gunner with six other crew. Harry was the last surviving member and remained friends with his fellow airmen, reuniting at reunions in Winnipeg Canada, England, France, Australia and New Zealand. He stayed in touch with all of them, including their sons and daughters who have kept the memories alive. He was a proud and extremely grateful WWII Veteran, marching to the Cenotaph in Ottawa on Remembrance Day with other Vets for over 20 years. It pleased him to be honoured with his Bomber Command Bar in the year preceding his Squadron centenary (2017), and this year to view from afar the official opening of the International Bomber Command Centre in England. He is survived by his brothers Phil and Ted (Josephine) in Chatham where the Challis brothers spent their childhood (Queen St), his sister in law Jean (Doug) in Windsor and many nieces and nephews. After marrying, Harry & Shirley eventually settled in Brantford where many old friends still live. Harry was transferred with Ontario Hydro to Sudbury in 1972 and retired with Hydro after 37 years, joking that his goal was to be retired as long as he worked. Harry’s charm, wit, sense of humour, and his strong will to live on and experience life endeared him to many. He was a kind, gentle, genuine and generous friend to all who knew him. A walk or a scooter ride around the blocks in Sudbury, Ottawa, Toronto, and Puerto Vallarta always produced a new acquaintance. His flower and vegetable gardens in Brantford were the envy of the neighbourhood, and he has passed on his passion for gardening and the outdoors to his family. He mixed comfortably with people from all walks of life, but was particularly sensitive to those who were less fortunate. He extended support to the homeless whenever he could -- at home, as part of the Out of the Cold, or when on vacation. Zorica, Charity, Darren, Brenda and Ernie and all the exceptional caregivers from Paramed, the Northeastern LHIN, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Shared Care Team of the Sudbury Hospice and Drs Mulloy, Luison and MacDonald--you cared deeply and we thank you. Friends and family are visiting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street on Wednesday December 19 from 7 – 9 pm. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Ascension, 1476 Sparks Street on Thursday December 20 at 2 pm. Donations to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated. For flowers, donations, and messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org.