Passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Harold Hickling in his 96th year, beloved husband of the late Muriel. Loving father of Donna (Dan) McHale, the late Marion Dunn, Lorraine (Ray) Dillard, Barbara Morrow (Paul Kelly), Roy (Sue) Hickling and Valerie (Robin) Laws. Cherished grandfather of Kristen O’Neill, Virginia Morrow-Conroy, Shannon O’Neill, Catherine Morrow, Megan O’Neill and Lydia Hickling. Proud great grandfather to Isla, Ian, Evelyn, and Emilia. Predeceased by his brothers Charlie, Gordon, Cecil, Ray and Doug Hickling. Harold will be remembered by his sisters-in-law Nancy Hickling and Nan Hickling as well as his many nieces and nephews. Harold was born in Vespra Township, the fourth of six boys. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a farmer. At just five years old he would take the horses down to the creek for water. Harold farmed his whole life, first with his father and brothers and then with his son. Harold had a special connection with the horses and dogs that he worked with and he loved sharing stories about life on the farm. Harold was an avid snowmobiler and one of the founding members of the Sno-Voyageurs Club. He snowmobiled regularly including several long-distance trips in Northern Ontario and Quebec. He continued to snowmobile until the age of 91. Harold and Muriel enjoyed dancing and would be the first couple up when the music started. It was a pleasure to watch them glide across the floor. Harold was skilled at designing and improving the equipment he used. From an ingenious calf feeder or portable ramp for loading cattle to alterations to the snowmobile trail groomer, he had a way of making things more useful and easier to operate. Harold will be dearly missed by many, including his friends at Linda’s Eating Place in Midhurst. A special place was saved for his daily visit, even after he was no longer able to come regularly. Friends and family will be received at ADAMS FUNERAL HOME, 445 St. Vincent St. Barrie (just north of Cundles Rd.) on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held virtually on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11 o’clock a.m. though the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82477295852?pwd=SHpXUVhXWDQyZFNFWDY2TUFzTXFQQT09
A private family interment will be held in Barrie Union Cemetery. Memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca
In accordance to directives put in place by provincial governing bodies and the Public Health Unit there will be a limit on the number of people permitted into Adams Funeral Home at one time.
Please note that wearing a facial covering and adhering to physical distancing directives is mandatory. No gathering is permitted in the funeral home parking lot please.