Obituary of Harold Bridgman

BRIDGMAN - Harold Ian Bridgman was born on June 15, 1926 in Nelson Township in Halton County, near Burlington, Ontario, the second child of Gordon & Ina (nee Buck) Bridgman. He was known as Harley to his friends and family. In the early 1940's their home burnt down and the family moved to a farm near Galt, Ontario. Harold worked on the family farm and also helped neighbours. He worked on the railroad for a short time and as a mechanic in a garage. In the late 1940's and early 50's he would go to Manitoba and Saskatchewan and help many farmers with harvest. In 1955, he and a friend came to Brandon, Manitoba and worked in a Ford dealership. He returned to Ontario until 1964, then moving to Yorkton and later settling in Ebenezer. In Yorkton he worked for Grant Brown Imperial Oil, the Western Development Museum and lastly Carnduff Motors, where he retired in 1986. Russell Carnduff, owner of the garage, was a dear and loyal friend as well as his employer. Harold was a very kind, generous, hard working man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His favourite pastimes were fishing, curling and snowmobiling with his friends. Harold loved to garden (as well as eating the produce). He had a special bond with his two animal friends 'Millie' and 'Willis'. Antique vehicles were always an interest to Harold, he spent many contented hours helping to restore old cars and trucks. He was involved with the Yorkton Antique Car Club with his loyal lifetime friend, Bill French. The last two years of Harold's life were spent in the Nursing Home, where he made friends with all the staff with his sense of humour and his gentle manor. He passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on August 20, 2009. Harold was predeceased by his parents and by brothers Ronald and Gerald. He is survived by two brothers: Howard and Beverley; and two sisters: Thelma (Arnold) Hill, and Donelda Watson, all of whom live in southern Ontario; and his 'adopted' family here in Yorkton, Ivan and Debbie Batke. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 24, 2009 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Faye L. Greer of Westview United Church officiating. Organist, Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'Amazing Grace'. Honorary bearers were Russ Carnduff and Ken Smithson. The interment followed in the Garden of Devotion with Bill French, Dan Ewasuik. Marv Tkachuk and Curt Plosz serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, August 24th, 2009 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens