Harold John Single

Another beautiful soul and shining light to guide his family on earth. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear father, Harold Single. Dad passed away on Monday, January 06, 2025 at the age of 93. 

Very few words can describe our Dad. He was and always will be one of a kind.

Dad was born on the family farm in Waldersee on June 15, 1931 to John and Ida Single.  While he was growing up, he worked on the farm and attended school in Waldersee. But it was baseball that became his passion. Dad was a good baseball player in his day and as recent as six (6) months ago, he was recognized as being “that really good ball player” from the 1950’s. During the 1980’s, Dad continued his love of baseball when coaching Cripple Creek for many years – winning a number of provincial tournaments.    

In fact – it was during a baseball game in the 1950’s when Dad met the love of his life, Gail Dickson. 

Dad and Mom were married on Oct 19, 1956, and moved to Winnipeg where Dad worked at Kimberly Clark and mom worked at The Hudson’s Bay.  Sheldon was born in 1958 and two (2) years later, Janice was born.  When Janice was six (6) months old, Harold and Gail moved back to Waldersee to take over the family farm.  Darren was born a few years later in 1968.  For many years, Dad ran the farm and drove school bus for Turtle River School Division. 

In 1977, Harold and Gail decided to sell the family farm and they built a new house in Glenella.  Dad was hired as the school custodian for Glenella School and continued his position as bus driver. Getting to work everyday with all the kids was tremendous joy to Dad.  In 2019, Mom and Dad moved into Neepawa to be closer to the healthcare needed for mom.

Throughout dad’s life, family was a constant priority for him. He was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s greatest fan and loved watching them grow.  When he was unable to visit his family in Winnipeg, he learned how to use his tablet (or “my pad” as he called it) so he could watch how his family was growing through Facebook. But it was the love between Mom and Dad that was nothing short of inspirational.  Like a fairytale “they were one soul standing the test of time”. We know that Dad’s spirit will forever be with Mom.

Dad’s faith was strong and the church played a huge role in his life.  He attended Christ Lutheran Church in Waldersee his entire life.  When he could no long attend in person, he watched the services on his tablet. Feeling Dad’s strong faith has given strength to his loved ones during this time of grieving.

Harold is survived by his wife Gail: son Sheldon (Shannon), daughter Janice (Wayne); son Darren (Amanda), grandchildren Jerrod, Jordon & Colten, Ryan, Lindsey & Meagan, & Alex (Shayla).  Great-grandchildren – Holden, Wyatt, Jonah, Hannah, Quinn, Arianna, Adrian.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews – all of whom he loved very much. 

Dad was the last of his siblings and is predeceased by his parents (John & Ida), Sister (Freida & Val), Sister (Martha & Ed), Sister (Doreen & Ernie), Brother (Otto), Brother (Paul & Tillie), Brother (Gotlieb & Grace). Sister-in-law (Doreen & John), Sister-in-law (Pat & Wally), Sister-in-law (Kathy & Siggi), Sister-in-law (Arlene & Harold), Brother-in-law (Terry) and Parents-in-law (Arlie & Mae)

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