The NBFTA lost one of its past presidents and founding members on October 28, 2019. Girvan Harrison or Girv, as he was affectionately known, was a true leader in forestry.
There are a lot of MFRS and MCFT graduates out there who have excelled in their careers thanks in large part to Girv’s knowledge, communication skills, humour, and tough love. You know who you are and know what I mean. He always managed to find the best in people and helped them to perform to the best of their ability.
He was a master of the red pen and Red ‘O‘ and made you do your job until you got it write right. Right?
Girv was recently predeceased by his wife, Marie, who was the love of his life. For those of you that knew Girv and/or Marie and wish to honour them please join family and friends for a celebration of life on November 9th at their home between 2pm and 6pm.
If you do not know where they lived please contact me at ce@mcft.ca for details.
Obituary
1943-2019
Girvan Harrison, age 75, of Gagetown, passed away at the Fredericton Hospital on October 28, 2019. Born in Westville, N.S., he was the son of the late Samuel (Congleton, Cheshire, England) and Mary (Girvan) Harrison (Rexton, NB).
Girvan is survived by daughters Heather Harrison (Joseph) and Jena (Steven) Beauchamp, grandchildren Kalie and Warren Beauchamp all of Gagetown, sister Joan Harris (Baddeck, N.S.) and nephew Mel Harris (Baddeck, N.S.).
Girvan was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Marie (Little) Harrison, whom he dearly missed.
Girvan was a very proud father and grandfather and would never miss an opportunity to brag about his family. Growing up on Foxbrook Road in Westville, Girvan was also very proud of his Westville and Pictou County roots and loved reminiscing with his sister.
Over a highly varied career, Girvan found his real calling as an instructor at the Maritime College of Forest Technology, and as a writer. His love of forests and nature resulted in writing “Nature’s Way”, a textbook for forest ecology courses. A sound understanding of human nature and how humans learn led Girvan to scribe the Roddie book series about woodland management. His engaging teaching style resulted in enduring friendships and a great deal of respect from his students and colleagues. A global thinker who acted locally, Girvan would have traded his many awards for some positive changes in forestry practices in the Maritimes.
There will be no funeral service held as per his request. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated.
