Harry Stewart Wiles, 94, of Brooklyn, Queens County, passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2011 at home with his family and friends by his side.
Born in Greenland, Annapolis County, he was a son of the late Silas and Sadie (Buckler) Wiles, a family of twelve siblings.
Harry grew up on a farm and attended school in Bear River East. He has always kept in touch with his family and friends from childhood. During World War Two, Harry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery, 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery on May 13th, 1940 and served overseas until he was discharged June 9th, 1945. He was fondly known as “Gunner Wiles”. He received a medal from the French Government in France for helping in the Freedom of Normandy. Harry was proud to have served his country and would tell his many stories to anyone who wanted to listen.
After his service overseas, he and his precious wife of 70 years, Bessie, began their family business “Wiles Store To Door”. Bessie operated the store while Harry ran a grocery delivery truck door to door until their retirement in 1984. Harry was a member of Pilgrim United Church in Brooklyn and served on the Board of Stewards for many years. He and Bessie enjoyed their many friends whom they played cards with and members of the “Jolly Rogers” Square Dancing Group. He was an avid story teller of “funny experiences” with his many customers he dealt with over the years as well as his friends.
Harry was a friend to all who knew and loved him, always worrying about others. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He had a great passion for his family, their accomplishments and enjoyed all special occasions celebrated with family and friends. He will be remembered as a friend to all, kind and generous, a real gentleman.
Harry is survived by his daughter Donna (Gary) Gehue, of Liverpool. Grandchildren Lisa (Scott) Caissie of Dieppe, NB, Karen Gehue of Brooklyn, Kevin Gehue of Liverpool. Great grandchildren Ryleigh and Kala. Chosen daughter Helen Barteaux of Lawrencetown. Sister Dot Wright of Clementsvale, brothers Irvin (Freda) Wiles of Hamilton, ON., Clyde (Jean) Wiles of Bear River. Numerous nieces and nephews. His extended family Peggy and Terry Baumgartner and family of Harrow, ON., Howard and Faye Pike and family of Amherst and wonderful neighbors David, Anne, Ashley and Kelsey Lohnes. They were all loved and cherished.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Bessie. Son Carl. Brothers Elisha, Mansford, Ingram, Hardy, Courtland, Clifford and sisters Edith Morris and Ethel Ross.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 5th, 2011 from 7 until 9 p.m. and funeral service will be Sunday, February 6th, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. both in Chandlers’ Funeral Chapel, Liverpool. Lay Minister Peter Anthony officiating. Burial will be Monday, February 7th, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Seaside Cemetery, Brooklyn. Family flowers only, donations may be made to Pilgrim United Church General Fund or the Queens General Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be made to http://chandlersfuneral.com
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doug and sylvia zwicker and brian and kim mansfield
We are so sorry to hear of Harrys passing. He was a sweet man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Nancy Anthony
I remember Mr. Wiles when he came with groceries in the Mersey Point area. He was a true gentleman and we looked forward to his trips. Nancy (Myra) Anthony.
margo
dear Donna Gary and family
There is not enogh great words to describe what a wonderful man
Harry was …He will hold a special place in my heart forever.
I will miss him soooooo much. I enjoyed our every minute together. I loved working with him .He would always have something great to say No matter how he felt . To you Harry I know you are in heaven with the love of yor life .May you both dance and rejoyce for eternity . As i know you are happy and will live in all our lives for ever. Until we meet again in heaven
love Margo xoxo
Heather Anthony
To Harry’s family,…I first met Harry when I was a child, he was “the grocery man”, that came to my community of Middlewood every Tuesday. Then as a HS Worker I came to Harry and Bessie’s home, they always made me feel so welcome, and never failed to ask about his old friends from his grocery run, those here and those long gone. I am so very sorry for your loss, but know that Harry and Bessie are to together again, as should be. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
LANNIE AND JUDY FRANCIS
Donna, Gary and family,so sorry to hear of your loss. These last few months have not been good ones for you. You were so lucky to have them as long as you did. A wonderful couple and I still remember how kind they were to us when we were growing up. Our thoughts are with you.
Janet and George Fletcher
We were sorry to hear about Harry. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
Kimberly Rogers
My deepest sympathy to all of Harry’s family and friends. I only recently got to know Harry but I felt like I have known him for years. To all those people that has had the opportunity to have their lives filled with such a great man, I do envy you. Let everyone take comfort in knowing that he has joined the love of his life Bessie. Harry you will always be remembered.
Tish
To have known Harry & Bessie both was MY pleasure. I thought the world of both of them, as many have over the years. Almost something funny would happen there everyday & Harry had a great little chuckle ! Every thing in that house hold was always divided evenly, no mater what it was !!! That doesn’t happen in many homes today !! All my best to the entire family, Sincerely, Tish.
Fred & Dot Lohnes
Donna,Gary& Family
Our thoughts & prayers to you all
Val & John Kempton
Donna, Karen & family – When I was a little girl living in Eagle Head, the arrival of the “grocery truck” was a much anticipated event and I remember your Dad as a jolly man. Our condolences to you and your family.
Dave & Sheila Manthorne
Donna, Gary, & Family,
Very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He and Bessie will be reunited once again. Always enjoyed bumping into them and getting caught up in family news. My parents always spoke fondly of the good old days when they all got together for a game of cards.
Our thoughts & prayers are will you.
In God We Trust.
Kevin Whynot
It was a joy to have know Bessie and Harry
I enjoyed my visits with them greatly
They both will be missed, but they are together again
Hugh & Pat Dixon
Donna & Family.
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing.Now He will be with Bessie.
Thinking of you at this sad time.
BarB WILES
Dear Donna,Gary and family, so sorry to hear of Uncle Harrys passing. We know that he is with Aunt Bessie and Carl and their suffering is over. Keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers
Barb and Family
jack sunderland
sorry to hear of mr. wiles passing. may he rest in peace.
bonnie wentzell
My sincere condolences to the whole family. It was a pleasure to have known them both. So sorry for your loss.
Brenda and Ira Huskins
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, we wish to pass on our condolences to you and the rest of the family.
CharlIe Morris
I’ll always remember as a child, the summer I spent with the family .We had a great time together on the road.
Rest in Peace Uncle Harry,rest in peace.
Sharon DeVillers (Van Vleck) Rose Wiles' daughter
Very sorry for your loss– much like the rest of the family we have a very dear place in our hearts for Canada. We spent so many summers there in our teens at Grampie Wiles (Elisha), and visiting again when my mother moved back. May your memories give you peace.
Kim, Adam, Kesley and Kieran Masland
We are sorry to learn of your loss.
Our condolences to you during this very sad time.
Robert & Sally Fader
Donna, Gary and family:
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Carolyn Fisher
It’s so weird to know that Uncle Harry is now in heaven with Aunt Bessie, probably driving her nuts as well as everyone else and dancing like fools. Although I never had the chance to have as many memories like everyone else does I know that the ones that I do have of Uncle Harry and great and I’ll hold them near for the rest of my life. I’m glad that I got to know him before he passed away after leading such a long and interesting life. He can now be with Aunt Bessie again and have a big party.
I love you so much Uncle Harry and can’t wait to see you up in heaven with god someday.
Carolyn
joyce
Dear Karen & Family so sorry to hear of Harrys passing,he was a special man & i always enjoyed my visits there.My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Bob and Karen Barnes
We are very sorry for your great loss and extend our sincere sympathy to all of Mr. Wiles’ family at his sad time.
Irene Lawson
I only knew Harry for a short time, but long enough to know what a wonderful, caring person he was. He is happy now with Bessie. Sending my condolences to the family.
janie langille
sorry to hear the loss of your loved i never knew harry for very long when i use to go to his home i loved to talk to him as he had some wonderful stories that he told me about his wonderful family my thoughts and prayers are with you all god bless each and all of you as he was a great man
philip & Rose Decker
Dear Donna,Gary & Family,
So sorry to hear your Dad passing. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
God Bless
Philip & Rose Decker
Peggy
To Donna and Gary and families
Just as the sun will set then rise with each and every dawn,
the souls of those who lived life well as Harry.. (Dad) did,
he will eternally live on…..
Harry (Dad) , even though your time was short since Bessie’s (Mom’s) sun had set earlier
Us knowing the special love you had for each other is so very strong and dear
that Life to you was all about Bessie (Mom). So now that the sun
has set on you and knowing that you both are together again with
peace for your new journey.
Our comfort, prayers and cheerished thoughts are forever near…..
Miss and love your forever .. Peggy and family
Richard Buckler
Our condolences to Wiles family.
Harry’s Mother Sadie, was our father–Otis Buckler’s sister. We grew up in Clementsvale. We knew some of Harry’s brothers but didn’t know Harry even though we were cousins. A very well done obituary for a very interesting man. We learned a lot about him by reading his obituary today. We are sure all his family will miss a wonderful person. Sincerest sympathy.
Richard Buckler and family, Greenwood , NS.
Gladwin Buckler, St. petersburg, Florida.
Dawn Fralic
Donna, Gary and Family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charlie and Enid MacKay
Very sorry to hear of Mr Wiles passing.
Our sincere sympathy.
Kirk and Donna Whynot
Karen and Kevin and Family I am so sorry to hear of Harry’s passung. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen if you need to talk anytime just call. We all loved him just like he was our Grampy and will miss all his wonderful stories. RIP Harry Kirk and Donna Whynot and Lorraine MacKay
joyce &byron turner
donna and gary & amp;family. our prayers and feelings are with you all I know your fathers passing is very sad time .
Roger & Valerie Wilcox
Donna, Gary, & family,
Roger & Valerie Wilcox
Donna, Gary and family,
Shirley Anthony
Donna, Gary & Family
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, I enjoyed my visits with Harry & Bessie. God be with you.
Shirley Anthony Homecare
Anne MacDonald
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all of Harry’s family and friends. I met Harry as a home support worker when Bessy was still with him. Such lovely folks. Harry was certainly one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met. I know it’s always too soon to loose anyone…Harry will be missed, and appreciated in thought forever. He gave of himself , and always with his best effort. Extraordinary person.It was my privilege to have known him.
Jean Smith
My prayers and thoughts are with Harry`s family- he is at peace now.God bless
Shirley Melanson
Donna& family,
Very sorry to know of your Dad’s passing.The death of a parent is always traumatic,but you had them a long time,You must be thankful for that.Timr will heal the hurt and you can hopefully carry on in peace,knowing that you cared for them well
Ruth Comeau - Son Arnold - Daughter Darlene and their families.
We are so saddened to hear of Harry’s passing and offer our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Harry was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Alta Mason
To Donna and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with another great loss For you and your family. May God be with you and strengthen you and guide you through these difficult times. May knowing that your Mom and Dad are together once again in the arms of God, give you peace in the days ahead. Keep all those happy times and memories in your heart.
Thinking of you often.
Alta
Rhonda (Wiles) Hebb (Billy & Barb's daughter)
Donna & Family,
As a child growing up it was always so exciting to go to Nan & Pup’s (Doris & Hardy) house to see Uncle Harry & Aunt Bessie. There were always a lot of laughs when the four of them got together. And the stories that Uncle Harry use to tell were so interesting.
They will be truly missed by everyone who where fortunate to know them.
Take Care
Rhonda & Bradley Hebb
Kirk and Donna Whynot
Donna and Gary, Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, he was a wonderful man and he will be sadly missed by all.
Ashley Lohnes
Hi everyone,
I’m so sorry to hear about Harry and wish that I could have made it home to say goodbye. My thoughts are with you.
Love Ashley
Gary, Donna and Family
Donna, Gary and Family wish to thank all you wonderful people for the support and comfort you have extended to our entire family, we are reading your condolences over and over. We appreciate your comments you have sent both for Mom and Dad. There will be such a void now in our family. We celebrated every occasion with my parents and family and they looked so forward to company, the more the merrier. They had so many friends and each one was treasured and were very special and held a special place in their hearts. They are together now, and at peace. God Bless You All.
Donna
Pam (Wiles) Petruska
Dear Donna and family,
It is with tears after watching the video that I send this note to you. It has been many years since seeing you last but I remember the summer that Mom and Dad (James and Joyce Wiles) took me through to Liverpool. I stayed with Uncle Harry and Aunt Bessie for a few days going out on the grocery truck with your father. I experienced being homesick for the first time and although that was unpleasant, I cherish that time and we spoke of it many years later. I remember fondly your parents visiting my grandparents, Hardy and Doris Wiles. Seeing the pictures on the video warmed my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and perhaps one day we will see each other once again.
Pam Petruska
Valerie and Donald Inness
Dear Donna and Family
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the family.
Bruce & Edith Dauphinee and Chris & Tina Whynott
Donna, Gary and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Harry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Kathryn McDonald
Karen and family , Kevin:
I am very sorry to hear the lost of your grandfather. My condolence and my prayer goes out the rest of your family on this sad moments. Always remember the good times you two had with your grandfather.
Take Care
“God Bless”
Monica Pye
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda & Robert Trainor
To the Wiles family
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Harry. I enjoyed spending time with both your Mom & Dad. They were a joy to be around, many stories, especially of their family. I will miss them both. Believe that they are now together, dancing. And those of us who believe will meet with them again.
LOVE Linda
Brian Baillie, Diane Henderson, granddaughter of Carl and Jennie Aptt
Sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our condolences. My grandfather always spoke fondly of Harry and Bessie. Last summer we had the pleasure of meeting and visting with them for an evening.