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March 5, 1934 – December 1, 2021
Harold Garnet McMaster passed quietly on December 1st. Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann McMaster (Simpson) and sons Dave McMaster (Kim) and Joe McMaster (Marianna). Adored Papa and Grampa of Miklos, J.D., Harry, Zech, and Sam. Dear brother of Bernice Tattersall (the late Graham). Brother-in-law of the late Rosemary (the late Russell Uncles), Lorraine Yasher (the late Sherry), George Simpson (Marion), the late Gordon Simpson (Peggy), Don Simpson (Liz), and Sue Simpson. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Garnet and Marjorie (Harris), infant sister Audrey, his son Daniel and infant twins Justin and Jessica.
Harold was born March 5th 1934 and he lived his whole life on the farm in Grenfel. Growing up as an only son on the farm meant lots of hard work and a need for self reliance. This became even more the case with the passing of his parents far too early. Like many of the local family farmers, school education may not have been lengthy but life education was more than people living today would believe. There wasn’t much Harold couldn’t do. He raised and cared for beef cattle and many other livestock from birth, to treating illness to final processing. He grew mixed crops of grain, corn and hay for feed and sale. He worked for many years in the bush cutting firewood and harvesting trees for fencing and construction including working with horses which he really enjoyed. He saw himself as a steward of the land preserving and protecting it for future generations. This including reading and studying the latest trends in agriculture and always trying to do things better. His dedication to stewardship included protecting and preserving the wetlands and forests of the Minesing Swamp and working to preserve and improve historic Fort Willow.
He worked construction for many years as a carpenter. This was after he used his self taught skills to build the beautiful family home virtually by himself from drawings to completion. The implement sheds multiplied rapidly on the farm as he strived to maintain our often antique farm machinery for as long as possible. This meant being a mechanic, welder and engineer as he came up with imaginative ways to keep things running.
His hard work allowed him and the family to travel on many vacations both on the road and in the air. The pinnacle being after retirement when he and Ann took the camper to Alaska, the trip of a lifetime.
In addition to his work and family he was an avid sportsman playing multiple sports including hockey and especially fastball. He transitioned from his playing days into becoming a leader and coach. His contributions to the community were recognized with a volunteer award during the year of the 1988 Calgary Olympics, the John Graves Simcoe Medal of Excellence and induction into the Springwater Sports Hall of Fame.
His community leadership included being a lifetime member of Grenfel United Church and serving in many executive roles over the years. His loss leaves a big whole in the Grenfel community. His family and faith community helped sustain him through life’s rough patches.
A visitation will be held at ADAMS FUNERAL HOME 445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie on Saturday, December 11 from 2 – 5 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home Chapel on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 1 o’clock. The family has requested that proof of vaccination is required in order to attend the visitation and Funeral Service.
The family would like to thank, Dr. Paul Howard for his care and guidance, the wonderful home care workers that allowed Dad to remain at home as long as he did, the paramedics and finally the amazing Doctors, Nurses and other staff at RVH for their kindness, compassion and wonderful care.
Donations in Harold’s memory can be made to Grenfel United Church and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.