Obituary of Rupert-Arthur Harrison

HARRISON - Rupert Arthur ("Rupe")21 August 1914 9 August 2007 Rupe lived his entire life in West Vancouver and passed away peacefully a few days short of his 93rd birthday in Lions Gate Hospital. After schooling on the North Shore, dabbling in the arts (choir, band and amateur theatricals), and working for 5 years in retail sales, he was hired to work in the West Vancouver Municipal Hall, four years later becoming Municipal Clerk. He held that position for 37 years, during which time he served on a large number of church, professional, civic and provincial boards. He was a charter member and first President of the West Vancouver Rotary Club, and held a perfect attendance record for over 52 years. Following his retirement at age 65, Rupe put in a labour of love for another 19 years as West Vancouver's first Archivist & Historian, finally retiring in 1998. During his 60 years of employment (to the day!) with West Vancouver, he received many civic, professional and service awards in recognition of his public service. Much loved husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather, Rupert is survived by his wife of 68 years, Grace, his son, Ken (Lesley), his grandaughter, Erika, his grandson, Kevin (Ali), his great-grandson, Samuel, and his brother, Jim.Rupert will be remembered as a true gentleman, always full of fun and with a ready quip. In demand as a public speaker on historical matters, he was modest and self-effacing, preferring to share credit with others. Denny Boyd called him Ãthe memory bank of West VancouverÄ and a former Mayor called him Ãas much a part of West Vancouver as Lighthouse ParkÄ.A celebration of Rupert's life will be held at West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave., on 23 August at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice.