Graeme Harwood

H. Graeme Harwood died on March 18, 2016 in Corvallis, Oregon. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 1921. His parents were Francis Winafred, born in England and Horace Harwood, born in Sidney, Australia. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Kathryn Fiske Plummer Harwood, his sister, Stella Fairley and brother, Lindsey Harwood of New Zealand and his grandson, Blake Harwood. His son, Martin Richard Harwood and wife, Lorna, live in Auckland, N.Z.. Raised on his parent's farm, Graeme attended High School in Auckland and at age 16 went to sea as a deck boy that plied the seas between Fiji, N.Z. and Australia, later becoming a Ship's Master in 1951. As Ship's Master he served on several ships until 1960 when he resigned from the Union Steam Ship Company of N.Z. Ltd. to work with the stevedoring side of shipping where he held the top stevedoring position with the Adelaide, South Australian company known as Mercantile Stevedores (S.A.). In this job he oversaw the loading of company ships and was a popular boss and overall quipper to all he met and knew. In 1990 when Graeme retired they moved permanently to Corvallis. Graeme's motto was "Once a Kiwi, Always a Kiwi". He had a unique sense of humor, was fun-loving and very social as one would expect of a Sea Captain of many years. He had great interest in his garden while raising Zinnias and vegetables, particularly Early Girl tomatoes, onions, garlic, peas and French Gourmet green beans. Very wise as a gardener, he kept careful records of each crop every year taking much pleasure in giving away most of his vegetables and flowers to his many friends and neighbors. He and his wife, Kay, loved their home in the College Hill area. Graeme was beloved by many. He was true to all he knew and always interested in their careers and hobbies, their children & grandchildren, and able to remember everyone's names, birthdays and accomplishments. He also was known for unending New Zealand "sayings" which he loved to use in his conversations with everyone. His garden, family, friends and neighbors were his source of pride. He was one who believed in "capturing the day!" He had a full and interesting long life. He lived to be 94 and was recently frequently saying he was "ready for Him to call me". He will be remembered always with much fondness by all who knew him. "Ta, and see you anon". There will be a Memorial Service for friends and family of H. Graeme Harwood on April 12, 2016 starting at 2:00 PM at the McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th Street in Corvallis, OR. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, 4600 Evergreen St., S.E., Albany, OR 97322, or a charity of their choice.

Tributes

Graeme Harwood

July 10, 1921 - March 18, 2016