June 26, 1924 - August 12, 2021
As a young man growing up on a dairy farm in the Fraser Valley during the 1930's, Harley had few opportunities to get a start in life, but then discovered the Royal Canadian Air Force during WW2.
After Air Force service, he worked at various labour jobs throughout BC and Yukon, before becoming a "Pile Driver" where he spent the rest of his working life. He built docks and bridges from coastal BC to the Middle East, too busy moving around the world to ever marry.
Instead, his family consisted of 8 nephews and 1 niece. This group only ever knew him as "Uncle Sonny", a nickname that stuck with him. He treated them all as his surrogate children. Presents from Uncle Sonny at Christmas were always very special.
During his retirement years Sonny travelled extensively, visiting family in New York, Palm Desert, Whistler, Semiahmoo, Clinton, Salmo, Kamloops, always great company. His niece and nephews were always very happy for the chance to reciprocate for his care and generosity when they were young.
During the last decade of his life, at his home in Pitt Meadows, this aging, lifelong bachelor, was 'adopted' by two neighbour angels, Bernice Connolly and Teresa Thieman, who provided a high level of care that enabled Harley to live a 'better at home' life until his last few months.