Harold Leroy Ellingson

Harold Ellingson

1938 – 2018

On September 4, 2018 Harold Ellingson passed away peacefully at the Swan River Hospital with his family at his side at the age of 80 years.

Harold was born in the family home in Alpine on August 11, 1938 to John and Amanda Ellingson.He attended Alpine School, grade school through to the completion of high school.  As a teenage student, Harold was responsible for driving the horse-drawn school van and helped his dad drill wells.

Harold married Clysta Fullerton in Durban, Manitoba on August 14, 1958. The first few years of marriage were spent in Novra and Sanford, Manitoba where Harold was an elevator agent and grain buyer. Following that, they moved to Alberta where Harold worked road building construction. In 1964 they settled in Alpine where Harold and Clysta raised their four sons. Harold owned and operated a mixed farm and logging business until 1985.  In 1985 the family moved to Swan River where they built their new home and he continued his career as a farm equipment mechanic until his retirement.

Harold’s passion for politics and serving the community led him into serving as Councillor and Reeve for the Rural Municipality of Swan River for twenty years. Over these years he served on various boards and committees including the Hospital Board, Airport Commission, S.R-Benito Recreation Commission and chairman of Averyon Services.  In 1987 Harold was appointed to the Municipal Board of the Province of Manitoba where he served for several years. 

His faith in God and his family and friends were very important to him.  He could often be found talking on the phone keeping up with those both far and near. Harold was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed help. He taught by example the value of hard work and helping others.

Harold loved sports. He played competitive baseball, fastball and hockey. He also enjoyed coaching hockey and umpiring baseball.  He was an avid sports fan, watching all sports on tv but his most cherished athletes were his grandchildren and their sport endeavors.  Along with sports, Harold enjoyed training horses and caring for his farm animals, especially his dogs.

Harold is survived by his wife, Clysta; his children Barry of Regina, Saskatchewan, Ken, Rod (Sandy) and Reg (Cheryl) all of Swan River, Manitoba; grandchildren Scott, Chris, Cody, Chase, Annalisa and Ainsli; brother Donald (Pat) of Benito, Manitoba; sister Ruth of Brandon, Manitoba; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents John and Amanda; infant brother Merlin; sisters, Mabel, Julia, Selma; brothers, Carl, Alvert, Gordon; and niece Janice.

An evening visitation service was held from the Chapel of Swan Valley Funeral Services on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Interment took place in the Minitonas Cemetery on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. Following the interment, a funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. from Cornerstone Baptist Church, Minitonas, Manitoba with Pastor Byron Hardy officiating.

If friends so desire, donations in Harold’s memory may be made to: Gideons International in Canada

Box 3619 Stn. Main, Guelph, Ontario N1H 9Z9

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail

Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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