Obituary of Orland Hartford

HARTFORD, Orland Owen passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family in his 85th year in St. Thomas, Ontario on Thursday, July 28, 2016. He was born in Blenheim, Ontario on September 12, 1931, the son of the late Leo and Eva (Owen) Hartford. Orland was the third child in a family of six. Sisters Beulah May Dempsey (2013), Marenah Mitchener (Mervin), Leona Rozell (Bob) and brothers, Byron L. Hartford (2015) (Helen), Wayne L. Hartford (2015) (Lillian). Orland came to this area at the age of 10 with his family and lived inPort Stanleyfor a number of years (His father was stationed at theR.C.A.F.Training Schoolas an Aero Engine Instructor). Following his graduation from school he moved toLondonwhere he trained as an Operating Engineer. While there he met and married the love of his life the late Shirley Agnes (Turner) Hartford (January 2011) in 1951. In 1952 they returned toPort Stanleywhere they lived until 1956 when they came to live inSt. Thomas. Orland and Shirley were the proud parents of six children Shirley Ann Bird (Steve), Douglas O. Hartford (Diane), Donald A. Hartford (Jackie), the late Dennis W. Hartford (October 2013) (Heather), Sherry L. Musson (Gary) and Sheila E. Ruz (Claudio) and Christine Clark who was like a daughter to him. Orland was well known in the area having lived here since 1956 with exception of a few years when he and his family lived inSparta. He was the Director of Engineering at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for 27 years before retiring in 1996. He was well known by Hospital Engineers throughout Ontario and across Canada having served on both the National and Provincial Boards of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society and was honoured with a Lifetime Membership in 1990 for his work in the Society and was a Past President of the Ontario Chapter. While retired he also served as a Board member for six years with St. Thomas Energy Corporation. He had been a volunteer driver for the Red Cross. He served over 56 years in volunteer positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including three years as Bishop (Pastor) in the sixties when his family was growing up and he remained a very active member of the church at the time of his death. We take great comfort in knowing he is now with our mom and brother and we will one day get to see him again. He will be lovingly remembered by his Family, Friends and Grandchildren Jason, Jamie (Ralph), Sarah (Adam), Heather (Rand), Jana (Levi), Courtney (Rob), Phillip, Sarah (Jayson), Makayla, Theresa (Chris), Tara (Bruce), Melodie (Mathew), Chris, Jessica H. (Scott), Jessica M., Michelle, Brittany (Dale), Jacqueline (Ryan), Vanessa (Joe), Joshua (Lacey), Mallory (Nick), Emilio (Mariah), Kelsey, Dylan, Aaron (Julie), Andrew (Kristi), and Emily (Drew). He also has 35 great grandchildren. We thank the CCAC and VON for the wonderful care he received in the last days of his life. We want to thank the various PSW’s and nurses. We especially are grateful to the following nurses, Henry, Cherie and Cindy, for the tender loving care they gave him and us through this difficult time and for being our special angels. Visitation will be held at Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Funeral will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 436 Elm St., St. Thomas on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 11:00 am with internment at the Union Cemetery for immediate family. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm Shawn Jackson Funeral Home Funeral Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 11:00 am Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Interment Union United Church Cemetery Memorial donations are being accepted in memory of Orland Hartford for : Canadian Cancer Society - Elgin-Middlesex Community Office Heart and Stroke Foundation of ON St. Thomas-Elgin Chapter Service Information