Remembering Harry

REMEMBERING HARRY

It finally hit me. I couldn't convince myself that Harry was gone. And to think, just on Friday he was chomping at the bit for something to do to keep him busy. I think he was meant to live this long, and maybe the pneumonia he had before Christmas could have taken him then. This play production was something that he was meant to see. I came home today and thought to myself, what have I done..? Compared to a Veteran who fought for his country, praised his country and at the age of 96 was in the hospital with internal bleeding and called his buddies to let them know he wanted to be home in a week, working again. Harry Major was a true man. Here I am a very young girl wondering, what have I done? Compared to this true man, it feels like I have done nothing. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work with Harry, to have had advice from him and to have had any kind of relationship with him. He was a man with a very warm heart. He will certainly be truly missed.

Kelsey Prosser
Windsor Historical Society
Veterans Memories Project

I have not known Harry very long - but will have many memories of him. HARRY WAS A MAN WHO WAS ALWAYS ' THERE', whatever or where ever he could help he did not have to be asked twice. He was a great spokesman and the Veterans Memory Project was dear to his heart. I am sure he was never happier than when he was talking to school children or new immigrants at their Citizenship Court. He served his country to the end. I thank Harry too, for his book a lasting gift to us. God Bless -we will miss you so much.

Priscilla and Guy

I remember Harry and his rants about our city's Lancaster. The passion in this man was without a doubt boundless. At his passing we as a city and as a nation have truly lost a soldier and a gentleman. He is in good company and has left a legacy in our High Schools that will be missed. Carry On Harry - you have passed the torch and it will be held high and carried on.

Kenneth Garlick
Massey Secondary
Secondary Teacher

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of our friend Harry. A truly great Canadian and man. I wish I knew him better. I did not get to work with him that much, which I regret. What I remember about him is the twinkle in his eye and his winning smile. One of my fondest memories of him is when we went as a group to heritage village. During the trip there and back, Harry entertained the group with his songs, harmonica, and jokes. A great memory for me and the others. He was truly one of a kind. Harry has slipped the mortal bonds of earth and now flies with his old comrades in the heavens, a well deserved rest. God bless you Harry, thanks for all you have done for us. I will miss you and I am very proud to have known you.

Andrew Rodgers

When I learned of the passing of Mr. Harry Major, I was filled with emotions that went well beyond mere sadness. You see, Mr. Major was a Canadian Air Force veteran who was over 90 years of age. My late father would also be in his 90s if he was still alive and he too was a Canadian Air Force Veteran. So when I heard of Harry' s passing, a piece of me died today along with him. I felt a special bond with Harry because he reminded me so much of my father and everything that is really neat between a father and a son. No, I was not his son but in many ways, it felt like I was. Harry Major was a most humble, courteous, and sincere a person as you will ever meet on this earth and his loss is not just ours who knew him but our whole country of Canada as well. GOD' s blessings to you, Harry...I will miss you but will always have the joy for having met you and gotten to know you.

Very Sincerely,
Barry Horrobin

Harry was a man whom I liked from the moment I met him. He always had a welcoming smile and a comforting manner. His devotion to Pat was so obvious it made one envious of her. As a Veteran, there are few to equal his passion for the support and care of his comrades. He was a wealth of information and he will be remembered in the minds and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Doris Kelly

Not Forgotten

There are times, we feel depressed

When unexpectedly we loose a friend

Of whom you have a great respect

A memory loss, that never ends.

Our Harry was one of a kind

Who spoke his mind, in true display

At his age quite able to unwind

With respect and appreciation of others, was his way.

Now for each and all of us, there will be a loss

Of one, who though has gone away

Will in time, our paths will cross

And be with us, forever and a day.

Written by your friend John White, Veteran WWII

In memory of Harry

Our community lost another of our WW II Veterans. 90 year old Flight Sergeant Harry Major C.D. was one of the last voices of his generation, having served in the RAF/RCAF Bomber Command. We first met Harry Major when the decision to move the City of Windsor Lancaster memorial was placed in the hands of a citizen's committee, as a recommendation to City Council.

This articulate outspoken man immediately put us all on notice as to his feelings for our Lancaster and where it should be displayed. He felt strongly that it should be placed on the waterfront under a plexiglas dome. He saw us as incapable of truly understanding, the trial by fire that he and his friends endured. He felt we were naive to think we could undertake such an important restoration.

He spoke with the authoritative confidence of a Veteran who performed maintenance on this type of aircraft, eventually serving as a crew member on multi-engine bombers.

At times he wept as he spoke, we knew he was thinking of his friends. He made sure we understood the Lancaster was an emotional symbol. A tribute to the men and women he knew, who built, flew and died in similar aircraft.

In the end the committee decided that this important memorial would travel to Windsor Airport in the care and stewardship of the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association. He grudgingly accepted the committee's decision.

After visiting our hangar/museum, understanding the level of restoration, the emotional commitment to honouring our Veterans and our desire to educate the next generation he became an ardent supporter of our work and we fell in love with Harry.

He has been re-united with his squadron mates now; we hope he'll watch over us and consider the Lancaster Restoration Group as part of his legacy.

Thank you Harry.

Per Ardua ad Astra

S Michael Beale

"Blue Suit", member,

Lancaster Restoration Group

So, another one of our really great veterans have gone to join that great white company in the sky.

Harry was my type of individual, always friendly and loved to talk with me about our experiences in the war.

It was a privilege to know Harry, even if it turned out to be too short a time. But there is a time when all must walk on that final journey. God granted me and Harry a long life, and with that in mind I would not dread that last day. Old soldiers never die. And now, my salute to Harry Major. I am sure God will have something important for Harry to do. You can't keep a good man down.

Stan Scislowski