Obituary of Harley Lashbrook
It is with sadness that the family announces the death of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Thomas Harley Lashbrook. Harley was born on February 4, 1929 in Rodney, Ontario. He was the son of the late Ernest and Florence (née Fairles) Lashbrook. Survived and dearly loved by his wife, Nancy (née Ward) Lashbrook for 64 years. Sadly missed by daughter, Dawn Lashbrook Chaytor (Paul), London and son, Ward Lashbrook (Colleen), Strathroy and grandchildren, Ryan (Gabrielle) Brett, Calgary, Jayna (Adam) Mansbridge, Okotoks, Alberta, Janessa (Patrick) McNeill, Ingolstadt, Germany and Brett Lashbrook (Abby), Strathroy as well as three great-granddaughters, Pearl, Emmalyn and Madeline. Also remembered fondly by step-grandchildren, Rob Chaytor (Stacy), Georgetown and Lyndsey Knelson (Andy), Wasaga Beach and their children, Jackson, Kaia and Cooper. Brother of Phyllis (Stan), Sarnia. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother, Lynn, brothers-in-law, Stanley Thorne and Ted Ward (late Bess) and sister-in-law, Shirley Lashbrook.
Harley worked for 42 years at Mercury-Sun Publications as assistant editor of the West Lorne Sun and the Rodney Mercury newspapers. He was an active member of the West Lorne Kiwanis club for 64 years. He was chairman of the West Lorne Kiwanis Music Festival for over 25 years and recipient of the Mel Osborne Award, the highest honour for a Kiwanian. He spent 25 years on village council – 15 as Councillor and 10 as Reeve. He also served on Elgin County Council for 10 years and on the Elgin County Library Board for 10 years. Harley was a local historian and a member of the West Elgin Genealogy and Historical Society. He was a former member of Rodney United Church as well as the West Lorne United Church. He was a former barbershop singer and a big asset to the Rodney church choir. Harley received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his involvement in the community. He was the author of a few books on local history and assisted with Harvest of Memories put out by Elgin County. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Daffodil Society of West Elgin or Four Counties Health Services Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF WEST LORNE, 202 Main Street, West Lorne (519-785-0810) Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. where the Funeral Service will commence at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Interment in Rodney Cemetery at a later date.
Like a worn out type
He is returned to the Founder
In hopes of being recast
In a better and more perfect mould
-30-
