WESLEY HARLAND

Wesley Harland passed away peacefully at home after 94 years of service and commitment to his family and friends.
Wesley had the good fortune of marrying Agnes Lee on July 25, 1934 in Hazelcliffe, Sask. Agnes and Wesley together raised five children. Wesley remains a mentor and friend to their 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Wesley and Agnes met at Wesley (United) College in Winnipeg, where he graduated into the ministry of the United Church of Canada. He served United Churches in Rivers, Briercrest, Foxwarren, Austin, Emo, Island Lake, and Keewatin.
Left to celebrate Wesley’s rich life are his loving wife, Agnes; one sister, Evelyn; three brothers, Lambert, Earl, and Gordon; his eldest son, Ian (Donna); daughter, Elaine Frazer; daughter, Janet Loney (Dave); son, Hartley (Grace); and daughter, Lorna (Phil).
Wesley was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Abe; his sisters, Rita and Annie; brothers, Melvin, Garnet, and Hartley; and sons-in-law, Doug Frazer and Dave Bruchkowski.
Wesley will be remembered for his gift of pastoral care, for his work in the international movement for world peace, for his generosity towards those less fortunate, and for his progressive ideas for a better world.
Wesley loved life. He enjoyed playing cards, reading about politics and theology, bird watching, carpentry, gardening, walking, and eating Agnes’ cooking.
Wesley’s service has been widely recognized. In 1967, he received an honourary doctorate from the University of Winnipeg. He also was a recipient of the Governor General’s Award for his work as a peace advocate.
But Wes was most proud of being recognized as an “Honourary Elder” in a ceremony at the Jessie Saulteaux Centre in Beausejour, Man. for his work with aboriginal people.
Wesley led by example, and lived a life of love and dedication.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 26, 1999 at 2:30 p.m. at Knox United Church in Emo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emo Knox United Church Memorial Fund, Box 153, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0, Guthrie United Church Memorial Fund, Box 129, Devlin, Ont., P0W 1E0, or Emo Palliative Care Visiting Fund (cheque made payable to Pinecrest c/o Wilma Sletmoen, RR#1-247, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M2).