Harold Richard Poultney

Harold Richard Poultney, KC

August 21, 1934 – April 19, 2024

We fondly remember Harold (Hal) Richard Poultney, who passed away on April 19 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, Harold was born in Toronto, Ontario to Robert and Dorothy Poultney (née Howell). He was married to Dorothy (née Fisher) in 1960 and later to Elka Secombe (née Weber) in 2011, both of whom predeceased him; he was also predeceased by his siblings Roy, Clemo, and Earl. Harold's family was his pride and joy, and he is survived by his devoted children, Lisa and D’Arcy, his son-in-law Greg, and his stepdaughter Sandie. Harold was affectionately known as Opa Hal to his beloved grandsons John, Jasper, Taylor, and Sean.

Harold's journey through life took him from the classrooms of Oakwood High School in west-end Toronto, to military service as an Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force at CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany. He attended the University of Toronto's Trinity College where he obtained his B.A. in 1956, and finally to York University's Osgoode Hall where he graduated with his LL.B. in 1960. As a young lawyer he started work at Harries, Houser, Brown, and Houlden, quickly becoming a partner with the firm. He then served as Master and Registrar in Bankruptcy for the Supreme Court of Ontario and then as Registrar of the Supreme Court of Ontario. His illustrious career as a bankruptcy lawyer led him to establish the respected Bay Street law firm, Carson, Poultney, Jones, Rogers and Ponesse. After 25 years with that Toronto firm, Harold then moved to rural Meaford, Ontario and opened a sole law practice called Wyndham Hall.

Throughout his long life, Harold resided in many parts of Ontario, including Toronto, Meaford, Stratford, Collingwood, and Woodstock, as well as in East Dalhousie, Nova Scotia and, over the past several years, in Halifax. He embraced each community with enthusiasm, especially his farm where he raised horses and restored carriages. An avid sailor and skier, he enjoyed many days and nights at RCYC, RNSYS, Armdale Yacht Club, and Beaver Valley Ski Club. Harold, a master storyteller, enriched the lives of many with his tales, frequently shared over a bottle of red wine. Although he watched as most of his life-long friends passed before him, he will be fondly remembered by friends and colleagues, including Molly, Debbie, Ulrich, Pearl, David, Steve, Karen, and Liz.

A celebration will be held in the summer on his birthday, August 21st (details to follow).