Maurer, Harvey Sylvester passed away peacefully at home in The Village, Listowel on Monday, January 21, 2013 with Irene, his wife of 25 years, at his side. He was in his 80th year. Harv was diagnosed five weeks ago with incurable bone cancer. Harv is survived by his wife Irene (Houston-Bailey). Dear father of Connie Montgomery (Gary) of Elora, Nancy Witteveen (Mark) of Belwood, Gayle Tucker (Cecil) of Toronto, Kevin Maurer (Sandra) of Cambridge and Tammy Aiken of Fergus. Grandfather of Curtis Montgomery (Kris) and Caryn Purvis (Brett); Trevor Witteveen (Donna) and Becky Beveridge (Brayden); Geoffrey Odle (Ashton) and Jason Odle; Jacob Aiken. Great grandfather of Jayva, Alexus, John, Annabelle, Colson, Cailey, Ava, Noan. Fondly remembered by Irene’s Family Paula Berlett (Dennis) of Palmerston, Peter Bailey (Maria) of St. Catharines and Jacquie Bailey-Cregan (Steve) of Listowel and their families Josh Berlett (Lyndsey) and their son Jack, Bailey Berlett; Tyson Brockelbank and Ashley Brockelbank. Also remembered by Lorna Diamond, mother of his children. Brother-in-law of Margaret McKee and Beatrice Houston. Predeceased by his daughter Debbie in 2009, brother Roy Maurer and brothers-in-law Wayne Houston and Bud McKee. Harvey was born near Newtonville, Durham County. As Harv used to say “I weighed 12 lbs at birth and never looked back!” He spent his pre-school years in the Guelph-Elora area. When he was seven years old his mother (the former Minnie Hill) married widower Rex Copland, a farmer in the Harriston area. Harvey attended S.S.#11 Minto Public School and the Baptist Church at Harriston where he met his first wife, Lorna Diamond. In the Mid 50’s Harv worked for Morley Trench at the Listowel Casket Factory. From there he spent 10½ years at the Beatty Bros. Fergus. Harvey was hired by the University of Guelph in 1967 and was the Farm Manager as well as one of the pioneers of the Elora Research Station until his retirement in 1995. He then moved to the Village in Listowel with his wife Irene whom he married in 1987. Harvey never liked snow, so they spent their winters in Bradenton Florida, and there attended Bethel Baptist Church. In Listowel they attended the Evangelical Missionary Church and The First Baptist Church. Harvey hated weeds, his lawn and garden have always been a show place. Being a Handy man, Harv was often called upon to help his family, friends and neighbours with plumbing, carpentry and electrical problems. He became well known for repairing clocks including the working parts of the antique clock which hangs in the Bethany United Church (Ariss). For many years he was busy during the month of December donning the red suit and being Santa. Harv was thankful for the opportunity to travel across Canada, as well as Europe, Russia, Australia and the Holy Land. At the urging of his wife Irene, Harvey wrote his memoirs in the spring of 1997, a treasured legacy, both sad and humourous. To honour Harvey’s wishes there will be a private Family Service. Spring interment Bethesda Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Harvey’s life at the Listowel First Baptist Church on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Listowel First Baptist Church or the Charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family and can be made through the Heritage Funeral Home, Palmerston 519-343-3800.
