Thomas Edward Harrison

Harrison, Thomas Edward August 25, 1940 – January 3, 2015

Tom Harrison passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his sister Susan Harrison; niece and nephews, Susan (Andy) Fankhauser, Russ (Donna) Murray and Todd Murray; cousins Betty Malin, of Calgary, Donna and Harold Schmidt, of Airdrie, Ken and Deb Harrison, of High River, and Linda Steinson, of Regina; and many more family and friends. Tom was born in Calgary and spent his life here. He was the youngest child of Ebenezer (Red) and Mary B Harrison. Tom was educated at Victoria Special School and went on to a first job as a telegraph boy with CNCP Telegraphs, where he and his friend Leonard were the last telegraph boys in Calgary. His CNCP cap and badge are in The Glenbow Museum collection. Following this, Tom’s career was as a cycling, then walking, courier with various Calgary firms. Parkinson’s Disease forced an early retirement. With his Dad, Tom visited Regina cousins frequently and had two trips to Salt Lake City. In 1997 he came under the care of PDD, and lived in residential care until 2005, when he joined other seniors at Bethany Calgary. Tom was a very social person and everyone on Rainbow Terrace, Bethany knew Tom and he knew most everyone by name. He enjoyed participating in activities at Bethany, and the many trips and outings, particularly crafts and visiting Kananaskis Country, he was able to participate in through the Scope Society and his helper and companion Dave Luft. On Tom’s behalf, his family would like to thank the many people in his life who showed him so much love a kindness, easing the disability he lived with. We also thank Dr P Lia and the staff of Rainbow Terrace, Bethany for their many years of Tender Loving Care. A Funeral Service will be held for Tom at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:00 am. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Calgary Humane Society (www.calgaryhumane.ca).