CARDWELL, Harry William
Passed away March 22nd at the age of 78. Harry leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years Judy, his daughter Jennifer McKinnell (John) grandsons Rhys and Grady of Burlington and his son Matthew (Adrienne ) granddaughter Summer of Clearwater Florida. Harry was predeceased by his parents Harry (1977) and Doris (2001) his brother Robert (2013) and son Scott (1969). Harry was born in Toronto, a graduate of Jarvis Collegiate and Ryerson University after which he moved down the street to join Sears Canada for 32 years. His years at Sears led him to Ottawa where he met and married Judy. Sears moves took them to Kitchener, Toronto, Montreal, back to Toronto ending his career in the Montreal Fashion offices, which had been created by his father in 1958. Harry progressed from store department manger, to buyer, to general manager of men’s and ladies wear for Canada. Harry’s fondest memories were always his years as a buyer of fashions. His philosophy, if you look good you will feel good, was always with him. His years at Sears allowed Harry to experience many perks from world wide travel, to meeting Sir Edmund Hillary as a ski buyer, to dining with Arnold and Winnie Palmer as their guest and later enjoying his rounds of golf at Bay Hill, representing Sears at the very first World Championship of Golf in Arizona, to playing several Canadian LPGA Pro-am’s. The highlight was one win and an unforgettable round with Laura Davies. After early retirement Harry and Judy enjoyed travelling by car through eight provinces and forty two states, stopping to explore whatever caught their fancy. Some trips to visit their daughter in Illinois or their son in Las Vegas could take up to three weeks. These trips culminated in twelve happy years as six month snowbirds in Bradenton Florida. Golf, meal preparation and his ever present iPad were Harry’s greatest passions. On his ride to hospital by ambulance he reminded Judy to bring his iPad. Harry was always exploring technology from the early eighties until 2021. His iCloud storage probably contains thousands of recipes he had made or was planning on making. Harry took over all the shopping and meal preparation after retirement never being satisfied until all meals were visually presented as well as tasty. His golf took him from Glen Abbey, to Wyldewood in Oakville, to Beaconsfield in Quebec, to Cedar Brae in Scarborough and back to Beaconsfield where he served on the board as greens chair and the first male to run the junior programme and the retired men’s league. His final destination was the Brantford Golf & Country Club.Harry spent the last two and a half years enjoying the gift of immunotherapy with thanks to Dr. Bryan Lee and his team at the cancer clinic, (Brantford General Hospital).This allowed him an incredible quality of life and one of the best summers in 2020 of golf and good scores (70 rounds). Cremation has taken place and Harry’s wishes as a recent convert to Catholicism were to have a celebration of mass at Our Lady of Assumption St Mary’s Church at a time when his family could gather together. Donations in Harry’s memory would gratefully be received by Sick Kids Hospital, Stedman Hospice or the Brantford General Hospital Cancer unit.
Judy. Cathy and I were very saddened by the news of Harry’s passing. We finally were able to get the wonderful obituary of Harry’s life today that you wrote which is a wonderful description of his great and successful career,his passion for golf and his huge love for his family. I was particularly delighted to read about his wonderful memory of our fantastic golf round in the LPGA with Laura Davies and the special day with all had together at the LPGA in Winnipeg with Missie !! True to his character ,while he was having dinner with ARNIE PALMER , he had ARNIE sign a picture and surprised me with this signed photo to me from my hero which sits in a prominent place and reminds me how a thoughtful and kind Harry was to me and many others!! . A real kind gentleman who left us all better to have known him. Judy ,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family , Ken Steward. RIP HARRY
Judy. thank you for reaching out to me to let me know about Harry’s passing. I was so taken aback, it has taken me a few days to react. He was one of the kindest people I have ever worked for. His support and friendship meant a lot to me. I know that many of us who worked for him in Montreal were truly blessed to have a leader who would go to bat for us on so many issues. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Matthew and Jennifer who were the joy of his life! He was so proud of you all and loved you so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you. all. Best always, Margie
Judy and family my sincere sympathy on the Harry’s passing . I only have fond memories of sears and Beaconsfield and the time spent with Harry..a great guy and a true gentleman . God bless
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I will always remember him leaving the park late afternoon to go to the store for ingredients for the night’s dinner. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the entire family.
Janice Shamblen
It was so sad to hear the news of Harry’s passing. He was a wise, likeable and wonderful person. He always would make time for two way dialogue, and he was so interesting when telling a story with that sly smile and twinkle in his eye.
He truly made Sears a Great Place to Work earning the respect of all those worked with him or came in contact with him.
Sincere condolences to Judy and their Family. God bless you.
Brent Hollister
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. Many fond memories of working together at Sears, both in Montreal and Toronto. Also remembering fun BBQ’s at your home in Beaconsfield.
My heart goes out to you Judy, and to Jennifer, Matthew and their families.
Ed Matier
I worked for Harry as his personal assistant when he was National Sales Manager in the The Fashion Accessories Group.at Sears. I enjoyed working for him, he was was always pleasant, kind and conscientious and always a gentleman and all his staff respected him. My heartfelt condolences to Judy and his family,may he rest in peace.
I worked for Harry as his personal assistant when he was National Sales Manager in the The Fashion Accessories Group.at Sears. I enjoyed working for him, he was was always pleasant, kind and conscientious and always a gentleman and all his staff respected him. My heartfelt condolences to Judy and his family,may he rest in peace.
Judy please accept our sincere condolences for you and your family.
John and Gabrielle Freeman
Dear Judy,
So sad to hear about Mr. C.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, may he rest in peace.
He was a wonderful and kind man, I have fond memories of working with him in Montreal.
Sincerely,
Tina De Civita
Judy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Harry was a good friend at Sears and always kind to everyone. I still remember our trip to Arizona for the Andersen Consulting World Championship Golf, when I met you, and we had so much fun. I know Harry will be missed. May he rest in peace and may God give you and the family strength and peace.
Harry was a good friend in high school and the reason I chose to attend Ryerson. Marlene and I were thrilled to reconnect with Harry through Facebook and to meet he and Judy in Florida and later in Canada.
Our heart felt condolences to Judy and the whole Cardwell family.
To Judy and the Family my deepest sympathy. Harry was one of my biggest fans. He had me transferred to Montreal in the late 80’s and after 5 wonderful years working in the Women’s Group had me transferred back to Toronto. Harry was always in my corner and was always promoting me to senior management for that i am truly thankful.
We were actually roommates when we both lived out of the Corp apt. On Jarvis. That’s where i was introduced to Harry’s cooking!
We had many enjoyable dinner parties hosted by Judy and Harry in Beaconsfield. .
I regret not staying in touch after Harry took early retirement it’s great that he took full advantage of it. God Bless
Judy, what a beautiful tribute to Harry, had no idea he was such a good cook. We could have put him to work all those years ago in Waterloo.
May he Rest In Peace and may all your memories be a blessing, Jane
I’ll pass this along to Don.
Condolences to Judy and family.
Judy and Family, many happy memories with Harry and also at your home in Montreal when Judy and I spent time working Sears Montreal. Also I am reminded of the many meals Harr and I had at the Keg Mansion. Gord and Judy Cundell
I thought Harry was a great leader ,
My sincere sympathies to the family may you cherish your memories..
Heather Baker
Judy, sincere sympathies to you and your family on Harry’s passing. He was a man of great character, and the world will be less without him.