Obituary of Harold Kenneth Sylven

Harold Kenneth Sylven, beloved husband of Mary, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at the age of 68 years.

Harold was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, moving to Calgary in 1959 to attend the broadcast electronics program at SAIT. It was at this time that he met and fell in love with Mary Cosgrove, and they married on November 10, 1962.

After graduating from SAIT, Harold went to work for the CBC for sixteen years. His passion for people and higher learning led him back to SAIT in 1978, this time as an instructor. Harold had a profound impact on his students and colleagues and was recognized with an outstanding leadership award in 1998.

Above all, Harold was a family man. He was a devoted and loving husband who gave his time selflessly to his sons. He was deeply involved with their lives, particularly in sports, where he would always commit himself to any role that was required, from coach to manager to scorekeeper. His commitment to family continued on with his grandchildren, who brought extra special joy to his life. Harold’s legacy of family devotion will live on through his sons and future generations to come.

In addition to Mary, his loving wife of forty-four years, he will be remembered by his children and their spouses: Richard and Vivian of Gleichen, AB; Les and Rhonda of Victoria, BC; Gary and Tannis of Calgary; and Cam and Jennifer of Calgary; as well as all of his precious grandchildren. Harold is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Mervyn and Sonia Sylven of Valleyview, AB; sister and brother-in-law Karen and Gordie Lidgren of Australia; and several special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ken and Gertrude, and his sister in infancy, Mildred.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, December 4, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. The Sylven family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Radiation Department at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic and the caregivers at the Chinook Hospice for the extraordinary care and compassion shown to Harold and the family.

In living memory of Harold Sylven, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.