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Harold Crowell

January 28, 1927 - November 19, 2017

Harold Doane Crowell died peacefully at age 90 on Nov 19, 2017. Predeceased by (parents) Harold & Bernice Crowell; (brother) Eric Crowell, born Shag Harbour. Survived by children, Richard (Patricia), Eric (Susan), Krisanne (Steve); grandchildren, Chris (Nira), Jeff, Tim, Brian & Nikita. Harold had a productive and fulfilling life. Best known as a forward thinker bringing innovative ideas to both work and family life. His career began as Director of Children’s Aid which he soon transformed to Family and Children Services in the town of Windsor. In Halifax, he became the first municipal Director of Social Services in Canada. Harold changed how North America and the world looked at poverty. During his 28 years with City of Halifax, he instigated and supported many organizations that transitioned vulnerable people from poverty or institutional care to independent living. Amongst those are: Vieith House, Adsum House and Stonehearth Bakery. He was most proud of HRDA (Metro Works) that created employment for people on social assistance which received an award for “Small and most innovative business” from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Experts came from around the world including Australia, Japan, Europe and USA to learn from his innovations. As a former director of The Halifax Assistance Fund, a Social Innovation Award was named in his honour in 2017. Harold loved the outdoors and was an avid naturalist. On Caribou Island he created an innovative cottage development model designed to instill in residents a respect for nature. As appointed “Mayor” of the Caribou Gardens Association, he is remembered for highbush blueberries, apple trees and lively conversations with its residents. He loved living within walking or biking distance of his family throughout his life. Through his mentorship, kindness and creativity he had a huge impact on many lives. Harold & family were grateful for those who continued to visit after he lost his mobility. Special thanks to Dr. Patricia Beresford who went above and beyond and the nursing staff at Parkland. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends and family. A celebration of his life service will be: Nov 29, 3:00,1st Baptist Church, 1300 Oxford St. Visitation November 28, 3:00-6:00, 1st Baptist Church In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada. Online condolences: www.remembr.com/Harold.crowell

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  • 2017-11-23 15:08:52 View / Comment (0)
    Steve Bunbury

    Steve Bunbury

    Steve Bunbury

    Harold Crowell January 28, 1927 - November 19, 2017 Hailing from Shag Harbour on Nova Scotia's south shore, Harold grew up with his younger brother, Eric, in a closely knit fishing community. Harold left to attend Acadia University, eventually attaining a degree in social work. He married Joan MacGinnis and moved to Windsor, N.S where he worked in social services while raising their 3 children, Richard, Eric & Krisanne. Moving to Halifax in 1968, he became Director of Social Planning, a position he held for 28 years. Harold enjoyed international travel, lively discussions, innovative business scheming, bicycling through the city he loved, gardening at his beloved Caribou Island summer residence, encouraging people to live up to their potential, watching the Blue Jays, bartering produce for pie and baking bread . Undaunted by Parkinson's disease, he was a well known character strolling the Halifax waterfront and Spring Garden Road, making new friends easily. He spent his final years at Parkland at the Gardens where he maintained his acuity til the end.

2017-11-23 16:00:51 wrote:

My colleagues and I followed Harold over several years after a hand injury brought him to the occupational therapy department at the Halifax Infirmary. He may have been short in stature, but his personality was larger than life. His stories and enthusiasm held our attention as he "held court" when he came for therapy. He had us all hanging on every word. Stocks, bonds, politics, socialism, movies, travel, we covered it all. I still smile when I think of the shared garden at Caribou which he initiated, referred to by him as "failed Communism". He believed in the potential of youth and had hope for a better world and did his best to make it happen for his family as well as those less privileged. Long after he made a complete recovery, several of us would gather at the old Fireside and resume our discussions on everything.Through Harold, I learned respect for the past and hope for the future. A giant of a man, and I feel honoured to have been able to serve and get to know him.

2017-11-23 16:00:51 wrote: My colleagues and I followed Harold over several years after a hand injury brought him to the occupational therapy department at the Halifax Infirmary. He may have been short in stature, but his personality was larger than life. His stories and enthusiasm held our attention as he "held court" when he came for therapy. He had us all hanging on every word. Stocks, bonds, politics, socialism, movies, travel, we covered it all. I still smile when I think of the shared garden at Caribou which he initiated, referred to by him as "failed Communism". He believed in the potential of youth and had hope for a better world and did his best to make it happen for his family as well as those less privileged. Long after he made a complete recovery, several of us would gather at the old Fireside and resume our discussions on everything.Through Harold, I learned respect for the past and hope for the future. A giant of a man, and I feel honoured to have been able to serve and get to know him.

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