Passed away at his home on Monday June 22, 2020 at the age of 88. Cherished father of Carla and John Norton of Belmont. Dear brother of Ad, Mari, and Pieternel Vriens all of the Netherlands. Dear friend of the Morrisey, Evans, Nixon, Carter, Glover, Gordon, and Dykstra families. Remembered, loved and cared for by gracious and kind country neighbors. Predeceased by ex wife Jane, siblings Gerard, and Carla and parents Dina and Adrianus.
Harry was hard working blacksmith with a passion for all horses. He had an amazing skill for training and riding jumpers and later in life driving racehorses. The last horse he trimmed was just a month ago. Living right up to the end on his hobby farm with his dog Hector and his many pheasants, chickens, and horses. Chopping wood and living a wonderful country life…
He said, “I am the captain of this ship” and he sailed it well.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangement entrusted to Haskett funeral homes, Lucan (519-227-4211).
In lieu of donations Harry’s family asks that you honor his life by being generous to the next person you see, who is in need.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Norton’s
A poem, considering Harry is the “Captain of this ship”
Seafaring men make a plan to set sail
With hopes of a fruitful journey, don’t forget the good ale
Remember tame is not the sea, there is much not to foresee
Under just man’s powers the perils are of great degree
As the ship leaves the port and the waters are calm
The men on their journey happily sing a song
Sun glitters in the wake of the wonderful ship
Vast waters ahead, largely an unknown trip
As the journey progresses things start to change
We use all our whits, abilities of vast range
We toil and we fight with the change in the night
Trusting ourselves; thinking we do right
Great billows are rolling and winds fail to cease
Today fear, trouble, great torrents beneath
When travelling these waters out of our control
There are ups and downs, with the punches we roll
The storm can have purpose as we travel the sea
For many it is all that will take them to their knees
When we can’t lean on self or ale or prestige
There is one we can call whose power has been unleashed
When tired and lame and broken in two
Finally calling to one who knows what we’ve been through
He has salve for our wounds, the drink for our thirst
If only our hearts would finally put Him first
One look, one glance is all that is needed
The King on his throne, has all storms defeated
We call out to Him to quench all our thirst
He provides living water so we can be nursed
To decline this great gift of living waters flow
Means your left in the dark, deep chasm below
This is definitely no place for any man’s soul
Come now, come all! Our King is in complete control.
Gibson and Marie
The body’s death to this world is the soul’s birth into another world!
Roy and Wendy Doxtator
Prayers for your lost of your father hopefully strength of your family and friends will comfort you and will be sadly missed, many times we think of you and your father when we spend time together and enjoying his stories and humor
Roy Doxtator
Sorry for your lost Carla our prayers to you and your family missed him very much Sorry we lost touch with each other but thought of him and his family all the time and was very good with his knowledge of horses
Gladys Mccarty
Mccarty family
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing . He was a good man who loved horses . my grand duather Mackenzie will miss her talks with him .
Gone but never forgotten
Rick and I have you in our prays
Ken Avery
Sorry Carla for ur loss . Ur dad will always be in my memories and i enjoyed our pool games.
John Bod
Dear Carla and John….
We just heard about your Dad passing away. I never had a chance to meet your Dad, but I know you loved him very much. We are so sorry for your loss but are comforted to know he is with the Lord! Sending our love and sincere sympathy!
John and Gail Bod
Goor family
Harry was always a character. He always had a joke up his sleeve. We loved his passion for horses and all animals . Chickens is something we had in common. He always wanted to chat about chickens and going to trails end.
He will truly be missed, especially when we go for walks down the street and see him hobbling up the lane and giving us a wave. My God bless you all. Hugs!!
Bette Smith
Dear John and Carla. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I remember when we worked together Carla how much you cared for and respected your dad.
gord young
Spent many hours with Harry over the last 40 years, even had a few cold ones with the guy. He was full of stories and great jokes, tales of his old country were very interesting. jean and I were just mentioning Harry on the 22 of June as we drove past his ranch. Harry will be missed in the horse community.
Gord Jean Pam Young
Linda Carter
Dear Carla and John, we are sending you our condolences and sharing in the sadness of losing your Dad. Harry has been a constant in our lives for so many years it’s hard to imagine him not stopping by, sharing a joke or two, his advice and all the things that made him so unique. He truly was one of a kind and we will miss him forever.. Harry I hope your horse jumps high as you take him in hand, and rest easy knowing your last truck payment is made.
Love The Carter Family
Frank, Linda, Joel, Lauren, Dylan and Abbey
Jim Hayhoe
Dear Carla & John,
We send our love & sympathy to you. It is “hard” to lose a dad. May you find comfort in the LORD’s love for you.
Jim & Mary Jane
Paul and Fiona Darrah
To Carla and John
Sending our love and condolences to the family circle
Love from Paul, Fiona and Andrew
Joanne Devereux
Carla and John,
Our dear neighbour Harry will be missed. He loved showing the kids all of the birds, pheasants, chickens, gold fish and miniature horse. He was such a kind and giving man.
Our sympathy,
The Devereux’s
Laura Gordon
The first time I met Harry was in the barn. Quickly found out that behind his gruff exterior was a sweet funny man who loved to make people laugh. Harry was a great blacksmith, funny guy and a wonderful friend! Love ya Harry❤️ So sorry Carla and family
Jack Darling
Harry and Jane were good friends of my father and mother-Fred and Shirley Darling. Harry was our blacksmith for our riding horses in Exeter and later for my race horses at Western Fair Raceway. He was an excellent equestrian and a top notch rider of show jumpers. His promising career riding show jumpers at the highest level was cut short after he lost his kneecap in a very bad car accident. Harry trained and rode our jumping horses and the photo you see here is Harry riding our champion palomino show jumper named King Midas. Our sincere condolences to Carla and family and friends. Jack and Ann Darling
Chris Robson
Carla and John
Sorry to hear about Harry. He was unique and will be missed.
RIP Harry.
Chris Robson
Lisa Giesen
Frank and I send our sympathy and condolences. May our Lord comfort and console the hearts of your family….and may Harry rest in peace in our Loving Father’s Arms.
Sandi Morrissey
Carla and John
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. We will muss him and. his great sense of humour. Dennis enjoyed his friendship and will treasure his favorite saying “the best sailors stay on land”. Sincere condolences Dennis ,Sandi & family
Jen (Loyens) Mairleitner
Carla
So sorry for your loss ♥️
Kim Kirton
My sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of Harry 🌈 RIP Harry
Kara Peterson
Carla,
Loving and healing thoughts going out to you! Such a beautiful statement for him – and such warm messages left already! What an honour it was to have met your dad and such a delight to see him each time! In gratitude and appreciation for sharing times with you both! May you always find the peace you need in the days ahead.
Rebecca ( Rankin) Moffatt
Carla. So many fond memories with you and your family and the horses! So sorry for your loss.
Debbie Maguire
Carla,
I was saddened to learn of your dads passing. He was one of the truest horsemen I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. His skill, knowledge and love for horses will be missed.
I’m sure he’s telling Gary a good joke right now!
Deb
Rachel Brown
Carla, I am so sorry for your loss! Your dad was such a sweetheart, and always made me smile with his jokes, his humor, and that cute mischievous twinkle in his eye! So genuine, so funny! All my memories are very fond ones. But, he told me he wasn’t a blacksmith? He was a hoof technician!! Because they made more money!! 😊 He will be truly missed! Take care Carla.
My warmest sympathy, Rachel.
Steve Preszcator
Dear Carla and John.
Known Harry for long time . Great horseman and farrier. Always was nice to stop in and visit And talk about Horses. He was very helpful with my farrier career and could always teach me something new if you asked. Rest in peace and enjoy the ride in Heaven.. God Bless..
Mary McAllister
My deepest condolences to all the people who Loved Harry. He looked after my horses feet for many years. A good man. Hugs.
Pam Sugden
Carla
A sad day to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember the fun times we had many years ago bragging with Hamilton Hunt and Peter Howe. I also used your dads carrier service when I was young and had my horses at Doc Adams. Those were wonderful days in London and your dad was very much a part of those days. Miss those fun times. We live in the Maritimes these days . Good horsemen like your dad don’t come along more than once or twice in a lifetime. Wishing you good memories of your dad. All my best. Pam Sugden
Audrey Monk
Harry was the one that taught me to ride on his faithful horse Snip. He truly knew horses and loved animals. Carla, May your heart remember the great times and laughs that your dad was full of.
william hilliard
going to miss ya and all your jokes rest in peace my friend
Susan Evans
I’m so terribly sorry to read about Harry. He was my blacksmith way back in the early 80s. I ran into him just last year for the first time in many years. We had a great visit and caught up on the many years. May you rest in peace and find that special horse.
Will Hayhoe
Dear Carla and John,
Sue and I send you assurance of our prayer that you will be strengthened by the our “God of all Comfort”. He is so able to give peace at a time of loss.
Thanking of you,
-Will
Mary Garnett
Carla, I am sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He was a challenge at time but well loved, Mary
Dionne
DearAll,
My deepest condolences to Carla and John and all the people who Loved Harry,
I am really glad that i met my uncle a few years ago .We had a wonderfull stay at his place.
And yes he was The Captain.
A safe journey.
Big hug and lot of love.
Dionne
Thomas Looby
Dear Carla and John,
Sending love and sincere sympathy to you both.
Tom
Theresia
Carla, I’m sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Harry was always very good to me. I still remember the crazy fun times we had when we use to visit your Dad. He will always hold a spot in my heart. Love you and will miss you Harry. God bless and prayers be with you and your family Carla.