March 15, 1923 ~ March 4, 2020 (age 96)

Obituary

Corey was born in a Mennonite settlement on the Crimean Peninsula, which is on the northern coast of the Black Sea.  He was the youngest of eleven children born to Peter and Elizabeth Harder.  The family left everything behind and emigrated during the Russian Revolution, settling in Coaldale AB and began farming like so many other new immigrants to Canada.

When WWII broke out, Corey enlisted [underage] and became a navigator in the RAF, and flew in Lancaster bombers bravely serving his country until war’s end.

One Sunday afternoon when he came down to his boarding house kitchen for a cup of tea, there sat a little redhead who was visiting there…Corey had met Jean.  They were married on June 24, 1955, settled in Agincourt [Toronto], and had two sons, Rob and Jim.

Corey was an electrician by trade, progressing to project management.  He loved sports [he had a beautiful batting swing], coached hockey and flooded many an outdoor rink for the boys to play on.

When Corey retired, they moved to Parksville and began a new chapter of their lives.  They enjoyed 33 years of times with family and friends, and made many memories.

Corey leaves behind his wife Jean, sons Rob [Audrey] and Jim, grandchildren Kris [Gerri], Erika, and Leisa [Trevor].  He also leaves behind nieces, nephews and their children, friends, neighbours, and many wonderful doctors, nurses and caregivers.

A celebration of life will be held at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church on Saturday March 14th @ 2:30 pm, 550 Pym St, Parksville, BC.

Please join us to remember this remarkable man and bring any memories you may like to share.

Condolences through https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/

• Date : 2020-04-04