Harvelyn Anne McInnis

Harvelyn passed away in the early hours of the first day of winter following a short illness. Predeceased by husband W. Fraser McInnis and parents May and Kenneth, she leaves behind three daughters: Catherine Stewart (Malcolm); Lisa Grewar (Colin); and Pam Melin (John). Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Meghan Hinterberger (Greg), Elise and Blake; Graham Stewart (Haley), Dawson and Nathan; and Jack and Claire Melin. Cousins Diane Hercus (Barry); Alison and Michael Hercus; Janet Mooney (Gary); Kate and Graham Mooney.

Until a few weeks ago, Harvelyn was driving her SUV and preparing gifts for Christmas. She was at the hub of conversations with friends at Berwick House, discussing news of the day and sharing her quick wit and honest opinions. At age 92, she remained engaged in life, jovial despite acquired aches and pains, independent, and forever seeking answers to the world’s, and people’s problems.

Harvelyn was born in Winnipeg and graduated from Kelvin High School as did her husband Fraser and all three daughters. She studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba but really found her calling as an interior designer. She earned her reputation as a creative, customized problem-solver through hard work and experience.

In Winnipeg, she was the first designer hired by Kensington Homes to furnish dozens of show homes in the growing community of Transcona. She worked in sales and design at Wilson’s Furniture for many years, and when the urge to attempt a new challenge arose, she obtained a license to sell real estate and manage home renovations.

Harvelyn met her future husband Fraser while visiting a friend’s cottage at Minaki, Ont. Fraser’s family cottage was just across the lake and became their summer retreat for decades. In 1976, Harvelyn was instrumental in the design and construction of a newer cottage built on McInnis Island which continues to be treasured by the family to this day.

After she retired, her next adventure was moving to Victoria and finding a suitable home for Fraser and herself, and her 92-year-old mother. She loved the Island, the climate, and the culture of the West Coast. Without knowing a soul, she quickly became the president of the Saanich Newcomers Club and later President of the Alumni Club.

Throughout their years in Victoria Harvelyn and Fraser enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Africa, and Egypt. They owned a mobile home in Mesa and spent winter months there with longtime friends from Winnipeg who also escaped the cold to Arizona.

Harvelyn faced the hardships of WWII as a child when her father was imprisoned in Hong Kong for four years. As her legacy, she worked with publisher Harper Collins to compile and print his war diary, “Letters to Harvelyn.” She spoke at book launches in major Canadian cities and to the news media about the injustices of war.

When Fraser passed away following seven years in care with dementia, Harvelyn settled into a new home in Oak Bay. With her business acumen, she was elected president of the building’s strata council and held this position for 10 remarkable years. At age 80, she led the successful completion of a $1 million upgrade to her building.

For the past seven years, Harvelyn has been a resident, host, and ambassador at Berwick House (Shelbourne). She has been a guiding light to her daughters Catherine and Lisa in Victoria, and Pam in Seattle. She will be remembered as a beautiful, vibrant friend to all she knew.

Harvelyn and family extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, especially in Emergency and on 5 South, including Dr. Yee, Dr. Ted Rosenberg, Dr. Priya Rosenburg, Dr. Tess Hammett, and to Nurse Kelly and the wonderful staff at Berwick House.

In memory of her two cats Theo and Abbey and her dog Carly, donations can be directed to the SPCA or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Harvelyn’s life will be planned and held in the new year.