In Celebration of
Harold Frank Hapke
August 7, 1950 - February 22, 2024
Harold passed away peacefully on February 22nd with his beloved daughter, Emma, by his side. Harold was born in the beauty of the family orchard in Oliver, B.C. to parents Ewald and Anne Hapke, both ethnically German from the province of Posen in Poland. Harold’s grandparents, Franz and Augusta Hapke, purchased the land in Oliver in 1929 and it passed through the generations. Harold enjoyed an idyllic childhood as the big brother to his siblings Lawrence and Debra.
From a young age Harold had a big heart, a sweet and gentle nature and a bright intellect. His curiosity and enthusiasm for his studies led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UBC, graduating in 1972. This was followed by a Master of Science in Political Science from the London School of Economics.
Harold had many passions. Among them were politics, philosophy, travel, his Christian faith, the church, family, friends and good food.
In 1974 his travels took him to Israel where he met his future wife, Linda Sutherland, at Kibbutz Degania Alef in the northern Jordan Valley. They traveled together and eventually settled in England for 10 years where their daughter, Emma, was born in Oxford in 1984. These were treasured years for Harold filled with great friendships, European travel, tutoring A-levels, pursuing his own studies and becoming a father.
Work opportunities brought the family to Toronto in 1986. Harold joined the congregation of Little Trinity Anglican Church at that time and remained a parishioner there until the end. He was involved in all facets of church life and was a cherished member of the community. His deep faith was a guiding force in his life and an inspiration to those who knew him. He truly walked the walk with his faith, leading by example with humility.
Harold maintained his good nature and optimistic outlook on life despite his eventual decline from Parkinson’s disease. Through the gradual loss of independence, he never once complained, and weathered the highs and lows of life and his illness with grace. He resided at Kensington Gardens for the last seven years. He was loved by all the staff there for his gentle and loving nature; they called him their “number one guy.” The family is very grateful for the compassionate care he received from the staff at Kensington Gardens.
His daughter Emma will remember and honour Harold by continuing to embody his legacy of unconditional love, curiosity, deep faith and service.
Harold will be greatly missed by Emma (Len), by Linda Sutherland, his brother Lawrence (Carol), his sister Debra (Greg), and nieces Michelle (Claus), Tammy (Blake), Therese (Jason).
May he rest in the eternal peace of his Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harold’s memory to the Kensington Health Foundation at https://www.kensingtonhealth.org/foundation/ways-give/memory or by phone at 416-964-3636 ext. 1 or by mail to Kensington Health Foundation at 250-340 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9.
Or Little Trinity Anglican Church at https://littletrinity.org/give/
A funeral service will be held at Little Trinity Anglican Church, 425 King Street East, Toronto, M5A 1L3, on Saturday, March 9, at 11 am.
The service will be live streamed through the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06wMqpIqJmk
Interment in Oliver, B.C. will follow later this year.
From a young age Harold had a big heart, a sweet and gentle nature and a bright intellect. His curiosity and enthusiasm for his studies led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UBC, graduating in 1972. This was followed by a Master of Science in Political Science from the London School of Economics.
Harold had many passions. Among them were politics, philosophy, travel, his Christian faith, the church, family, friends and good food.
In 1974 his travels took him to Israel where he met his future wife, Linda Sutherland, at Kibbutz Degania Alef in the northern Jordan Valley. They traveled together and eventually settled in England for 10 years where their daughter, Emma, was born in Oxford in 1984. These were treasured years for Harold filled with great friendships, European travel, tutoring A-levels, pursuing his own studies and becoming a father.
Work opportunities brought the family to Toronto in 1986. Harold joined the congregation of Little Trinity Anglican Church at that time and remained a parishioner there until the end. He was involved in all facets of church life and was a cherished member of the community. His deep faith was a guiding force in his life and an inspiration to those who knew him. He truly walked the walk with his faith, leading by example with humility.
Harold maintained his good nature and optimistic outlook on life despite his eventual decline from Parkinson’s disease. Through the gradual loss of independence, he never once complained, and weathered the highs and lows of life and his illness with grace. He resided at Kensington Gardens for the last seven years. He was loved by all the staff there for his gentle and loving nature; they called him their “number one guy.” The family is very grateful for the compassionate care he received from the staff at Kensington Gardens.
His daughter Emma will remember and honour Harold by continuing to embody his legacy of unconditional love, curiosity, deep faith and service.
Harold will be greatly missed by Emma (Len), by Linda Sutherland, his brother Lawrence (Carol), his sister Debra (Greg), and nieces Michelle (Claus), Tammy (Blake), Therese (Jason).
May he rest in the eternal peace of his Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harold’s memory to the Kensington Health Foundation at https://www.kensingtonhealth.org/foundation/ways-give/memory or by phone at 416-964-3636 ext. 1 or by mail to Kensington Health Foundation at 250-340 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9.
Or Little Trinity Anglican Church at https://littletrinity.org/give/
A funeral service will be held at Little Trinity Anglican Church, 425 King Street East, Toronto, M5A 1L3, on Saturday, March 9, at 11 am.
The service will be live streamed through the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06wMqpIqJmk
Interment in Oliver, B.C. will follow later this year.
Funeral Details
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Funeral
Little Trinity Anglican Church
425 King St. E., Toronto, ON, M5A 1L3
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Saturday, 9 Mar 2024 11:00 AM