Memories

From the November 10th gathering to celebrate Harold's life

Family Remembrances

Marlene Koehler [PDF]

Dan Milligan [PDF]

Jacqueline Hollingsworth and Michelle Gavin [PDF]

Community Remembrances

Irene Mathyssen [PDF]

Judith Warren [PDF]

Edna Anderson [PDF]

Dear Koehler family:

The London-Fanshawe NDP Riding Association wished to hold a special public event honouring Harold's long years of devoted service to the NDP, but with deep regrets were unable to so before his passing. On behalf of the riding association, I have gathered for you various pictures of Harold taken at NDP events. I wish I had more pictures, but Harold typically kept in the background: always one of our hardest working and most devoted members, but never wanting to be in the spotlight.

Harold was stern and demanding about the Riding Association always keeping its finances in good order. Largely due to his careful stewardship of our resources, we were able to build our strength to eventually elect Irene as member-of-Parliament. Three times he was the Chief Financial Officer of campaigns I ran as Campaign Manager, and he was constantly there as our "official agent", keeping our affairs in order, and allowing me to know that he had us covered. He was a tower of strength.

One group of pictures is Harold presiding at the signing of Irene's nomination papers. He always took it as a personal responsibility to go door-to-door to get the 150 signatures required. He often would be telling the Returning Officer how to proceed at these small ceremonies he was the original "reliable source". His quiet pride at making sure that Irene was duly and properly nominated was manifest.

He was a regular at Riding Association events. Several pictures are from "Midsummer Madness" events at Irene's house. When we did auctions, Harold was there quietly taking in the cheques (he loved seeing our resources grow!) and making sure that receipts were duly issued. Part of the challenge of a riding association is to be organized and business-like. Harold was the main reason we were able to accomplishthis vital goal.

There are also pictures from one of our dinners with Jack Layton. Harold was one of those good soldiers who form the absolute foundation of the NDP. We are a party whose main asset is people and dedicated volunteers like Harold who donate their time and expertise to make sure that we often cash-poor social democrats can stand up for "ordinary Canadians", and stand up to those who try to hoard our country's riches for themselves. Quite simply, if the NDP did not have enough "Harold's", we would not be able to function.

There is a picture of Harold having a little snooze at one of our campaign offices. He sometimes would quietly nod off for a wee nap – but was always so prepared and focused on the essential tasks he carried out for us, that we always felt the naps were richly deserved. Long after many would be spending their retirement time in leisure and idle relaxation, Harold was out there quietly but firmly supporting and fighting for the causes he believed in so strongly. Canada can never have enough citizens like Harold.

Harold was an inspiration for us. I can hardly imagine NDP executive meetings and election campaigns without him being there. I hope he knew how valued and respected he was by all of us. I hope that every time you see Irene doing her fine work as Member of Parliament fighting for ordinary Canadians, or see more success coming to the London-area NDP, that you will take pride in the fact that this is part of Harold's living legacy to us.

It was an honour and a privilege for us to know Harold, and to work with him in the cause of social justice. He will live long in our memories.

Sincerely,

Joe Wilson,

(for the London-Fanshawe NDP Riding Association)

Other memories

Harold was my inspiration and mentor, and got me involved in

social activism. Until I joined the Unitarian Fellowship nearly 10
years ago, I had no idea of how to work in this kind of way. The
first large event that Harold and I helped to plan was an all night
vigil in solidarity with demonstrations in Quebec City at the time of
the Summit of the Americas in 1999. Dozens of groups, from religious
groups to political groups took part, and 300 people attended the
programme, which ended with a sunrise ceremony conducted by Harold's
good friend Dan Smoke. I had the pleasure of working with Harold on
many more events since that time. He was constantly writing letters

to politicians and newspapers, and through him I learned that this
letter writing is a skill that even I could learn. I particularly
loved his email signature: "I support marriage for same sex couples."

Beth Guthrie

Harold's Dad, Oscar, and my Dad, Addison, were brothers. My
sister, Connie (1920), lives in Kingsville on Lake Erie near Windsor
and I, (1932), in Palm Harbor, Florida (central west coast)with my
wife, Peggy. My Dad always spoke very highly of Harold and took me to

Bruce's farm from Detroit at about age 10 where I first met him. Years
later after my daughter, Susan (also have a son, David, and a
daughter, Mary Ann), returned from the Peace Corps in Africa, she
took an interest in my background, located Harold, and started
correspondence. Harold very graciously responded with research and
data which was forwarded to us. We kept in touch during the holidays
after that and Harold & Dorothy visted us in 1989 (picture of Harold
and myself posted). I visted Connie in 1995 and we spent a few hours

with Harold in London (Photo 1: Connie & Harold.) Photo 2 was taken
Dec. 2006 at our 50th wedding anniversay and enclose to show off my
Canadian guests who were kind enough to attend. Left to right: Wayne

& Gale (Connie's daughter and husband), Peggy, Richard, Connie,
Marlene & Dan. Photo 3 is an old family picture that Marlene sent me.
Harold in front, Oscar on right and Nancy on left.

It was a privilage to attend Harold & Dorothy's 60th Wedding
Anniversary and recognize a man who has lived life to the fullest. My
very best to Dorothy and children.

Richard Koehler

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Harold. I
appreciated his help and input for my early genealogical pursuits
back before computers were used. We shared ideas for electronic

filing of information and were probably the first two people in
Canada to use PC's for this application. I always enjoyed sharing
ideas and information with Harold.
My condolences to all the family.

Susan Best

Harold's commitment to issues that made this a better
society and a better world will remain a model for very many Canadian
Unitarians whom he touched. Peace and love to all the family as they

work through their loss.

Julia Varga

Dear Dorothy and family,

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harold. His passion
for community causes and organizations will be difficult to replace.

Todd Wilson

Account Manager, Libro Financial Group

As a rather young activist with only a decade of experience
I will sorely miss Harold's presence at meeting and events. He
always spoke with honest conviction and a deep sense of compassion
accompanied his always present smile.
My sincerest condolences to his family — he will be missed but not
forgotten in social justice circles in London.

Dan Hilton

I have known Harold for many years when he lived in Toronto
and subsequently had many dealings with him when he moved to London.
I consider him as my friend. He was a gentleman and a scholar. I am
very sorry to hear he passed. My condolences to all the family.

Bernard Nayman

I am very sad to hear of Harold's death. He and I worked
together throughout the 1980's in the NDP in Willowdale, before he
and Dorothy "retired" to London. He (along with his contemporary,

Joyce Sutherland) talked me into my first runs for public office, 25
or so years ago.

"But Mr. Koehler, for whom would you vote, were there no NDP
candidate running in your riding?"

Mr. Koehler: "Ah, but that could never be the case! Were no one
else to step forward to run for the NDP in my riding, I myself would
be the NDP candidate in my riding!"

My condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Harold; your impact and
influence will be long-lasting.

John Fagan

Willowdale, Ontario

I just want to let you know that your dad, Harold, continues to
inspire me in my work. Especially after today's memorial service, I
know that "giving up because it is just too hard" will not be an answer
I'll allow myself to have — when I say "enough" to my work with the
CUC, it'll not be for that reason.

About a year or so ago, he spoke to me after a Sunday service where
Paul Nesbitt-Larking had mentioned my influence in religious education
at the UFL and Harold came up to me and said he thought perhaps one day
I'd be known as the Sophia Lyon Fahs of Canada. I cannot tell you what
those generous words of support and respect meant to me. It was not
something he had to do, so I trust it was genuine.

Harold was often a participant at family services of years gone by.
He was willing and available as a resource for RE at the UFL, and
participated as a guest speaker when invited. He helped me time and
again with my computer and with the "Chalice" submissions. He printed
labels for me when I did not have access to a colour printer, directed
me toward great resources and always showed interest in the program and
participants within our RE program. He modeled to me integrity,
citizenship, generosity and patience.

I am so glad to have known him, and know that his influence will impact me as I continue on my life journey.

Cherish your memories and lessons.

Love Sylvia

Sylvia Bass West

Saturday's Memorial Service was a wonderful tribute to
Harold. He put so much into his work and his life and the service
yesterday at UFL was an excellent account of his caring for others
and his reaching out to make a better society for us all.

Jackie and Goldie Emerson

I met Harold in 1990 when LIFE*SPIN shared an office in the
manse of First St. Andrews United Church on Queen Street with the
London & Area Social Justice Coalition. He was truly an inspiration
to building the foundations of LIFE*SPIN. Thankyou for sharing this
wonderful man with the London community - he has left a deep
impresssion on the lives of so many.

Jacqueline Thompson

Founder/LIFE*SPIN

It was with sadness that Isabel and I read of Harold's death in the Globe and Maill issue of Nov.9, 2007.
Harold Peter Koehler was my first superior in civilian life and he held
this position for almost ten years. He was a superior and a friend from
whom I learned a lot of technical and life skills.

As an example of Harold's skill, knowledge and problem-solving ability,
I remember the Vice-President engineering at Orenda complaining about
his office desk vibrating. His office ws located on the second floor
over the machine shop. Harold was asked to solve the problem. He and I
arrived in the V.P.'s office the next morning at 7 a.m. Harold darkened
the room and proceeded to set up the equipment. He set a tin lid filled
with water on the desk, placed a small mirror to float in the water and
reflect light on the ceiling. Harold and I sat down and watched the
reflected light. Eventually the light started to oscillate. Both of us
went down to the machine shop to investigate. An exhaust fan had just
been trned on. The fan was mounted to the ceiling near where the V.P.'s
desk would be. Balancing the fan and a change in mounting was the
solution.

Many times I have remembered this job and thought of it as typical of Harold's approach to problem-solving.

dorothy, our thoughts wil be with you and your family in the days ahead.

Yours truly

Bill Johnston

Harold was always a wonderful mentor, sporting his
indomitable smile and an insatiable appetite for improving the world
we live in. I know Harold will always be a part of me, and will
always be fondly remembered in whatever I do..

Of course, there is great work being done by those who have learned
from and been touched by Harold. It makes things easier to remember
his lasting footprint.

Still, it is so sad to lose a comrade and friend in the struggle for
peace.

Tarek

My wife and I send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones
of Harold.

Our lives must have a purpose. Harold's definitely had a great
purpose. He was a champion of social justice and spent his time and
efforts to give back to the society all he could.

I am pleased to note some similarities between us- like Harold, I am
also a mechanical engineers and we both have a passion for social
justice.

I believe the best way to honour Harold's memory, is for us to
continue his efforts to make ours a better society.

Meer Sahib, P. Eng.

Dear family of Harold,

We were saddened to hear of Harold's death. We knew him as a
compassionate human being and a go-getter with a sense of humour.
Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.

He will be missed.

Chris & Kathy Meidell

Society of Ontario Freethinkers