Obituary of Harry Arthur Tatro

September 16, 1924 – North Battleford, Saskatchewan

March 9, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Harry Arthur Tatro, born September 16, 1924, passed away with family at his bedside, on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry Lynn Tatro in 1956 and Grace Attix in 1979, his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Elizabeth Beeching in 2018, and son David Edward in 1955. He is survived by his four children, Garry William Harry, Susan Helen, Richard Gordon, and Dorothy Gwen; and a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Harry grew up on the family farm near North Battleford, SK. He went to Normal School in Saskatoon and later taught for several years in the St. Walburg, SK, area. He met and fell in love with Dorothy Beeching, and they married in August 1948. Influenced by several formative experiences with historical places in the Battleford area, in 1953 he accepted a post as Superintendent at Fort Battleford National Historic Park and put his love of history to work. Western Canadian History at work and that of our family then became his life’s work. The family settled in Calgary in 1965 and purchased “the ranch” in 1976. There, Harry spent many happy hours building and gardening. Camping, fishing, and spending time with family also helped to fill his summer hours. He never missed a summer going to the lake.

In retirement, he spent many happy hours researching his family history and genealogy right up into his last days. He loved to share stories of the history he discovered. Some of his stories are available at https://byandabouthat.com/. Right up until a few weeks ago, he was still telling stories, writing family history, and if he wasn’t fixing and building things himself anymore, he was still telling us how. If he couldn’t tell us how, he sure expected that we should be able to figure it out. He has been an inspiration to all of us, his family and friends, and will be for years to come, even though he is no longer with us.

Harry is greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Memorial Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Harry’s streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Harry’s family here.

In living memory of Harry Tatro, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Harry Tatro's Memorial Service.