We Remember
PRICE, Harold Alexander
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It is with sadness that we must announce that Harold Alexander Price ended a productive and eventful life on January 18, 2015 in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Alex was born on November 18, 1921 in Vancouver, British Columbia. During his formative years he resided in Vancouver and attended Maple Grove Public School, Point Grey Junior high School and Magee Senior High School. The son of a long time railway man Alex was introduced to the railway working on the V&LI branch of the B.C. Electric Railway in 1940.
When World War II was growing Alex enlisted in the RCAF in 1941 earning his wings at Uplands Air Force Base near Ottawa in 1943. He was shipped overseas and eventually joined RAF 517 Squadron as a flight Lieutenant. The principal tasks of this squadron were meteorology and anti-submarine patrol and Alex completed 58 operational missions over the English Channel, Bay of Biscay and to Gibraltar.
Alex returned to Canada in 1945 and enrolled at UBC in the Engineering Faculty successfully completing his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering in 1950. One year into his University education he was joined by an English Lass who had been serving on his squadron as a WAAF member. They were married in 1946 forming an undiminished life long bond.
Alex went to work for the CPR immediately following university and in his 33 year career worked in a variety of engineering positions in Western Canada including the famed Kettle Valley Railway, achieving the position of Deputy Regional Engineer Pacific Region. It is during this time that Alex developed an enduring interest in the Canadian Pacific Railway and Western Canadian history.
Alex and his wife raised a family and he was involved in coaching hockey, baseball and soccer. He retired to Kelowna, BC and pursued his passion for history, collaborating on numerous books and two movies.
Alex is survived by Renee, his wife of 68 years, four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A celebration of life event will be announced at a later time.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
To be announced at a later date
To barbara billy bramble steve tegan mumma renee and families
. Sorry that distance prevents us from sharing your day but our thoughts are with you all . Thinking of you all our love
bryan sonya soula glen grandys, krystall mat kenzi kirby ryan. Xxxx australia.
Dear Mrs Price and family
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your husband and father.
Roma Niessen
Deep condolences to Renee, Tom and family. I had the great pleasure of knowing Alex for many years. We shared a love for history, he especially through his stamp collection. In fact, Alex himself was a part of B.C. history because he had worked on the Kettle Valley Railway for part of his CPR career. Alex had his own unique, wry sense of humour and approach to life. I always enjoyed our conversations greatly. Rest in peace, Alex.
My sincerest condolences. I first met Alex as a young CPR civil engineer in Vancouver. My trips through the Fraser Canyon with him on a motorcar are very fond memories. It was Alex who first sparked my interest in railway bridge engineering and provided the impetus to follow a rewarding carreer. Mr. Price made a difference in my life and many others at CP.
John F. Unsworth
Deputy Chief Engineer Structures – CP
Renee and family, so sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. It was such a pleasure to talk to you both when we were doing business over many years. Alex always gave me such a hard time about being a ” haggis basher” but always in good fun. He will be missed by all.
Dear Barbara and Bill,
The first time we remember your Dad was in Burnaby, B.C. at our work Barbara, He and your Mum came by for a visit…He stood in the parking lot, about to greet you, we were upstairs , so the second floor, and I looked out your corner office window, my eyes met your Dad’s eyes and I saluted him from the second floor window…… I am not sure why at that time, and in thinking about this today, I realize it was out of respect for you, and your Father. The respect for the years of service to the protection and freedom of us today, your Father, Mr. Price, left me with a feeling of hope and graciousness that is with me today, many years after that initial meeting. Peace with you and yours. Thank you for the honest and close friendship we share today. xo Curtis and Jerome
I had the pleasure of working with Alex from 1974 to 1986. I often called on him when i needed advice about a railway track problem and could always depend on an honest, frank and wise answer. My sincere condolences to Renee, Tom and the rest of the family. Bob Morrish P.Eng. retired Chief Engineer Canadian Pacific Railway
To Renee and family:
He had a wonderful life and he is much missed. He was a special mentor to me as he was a thinker and a doer all in the same man.
Bill Liddell