Harvey Semple, passed away at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton, New Brunswick on Saturday morning November 26, 2016. At the time of his passing he was resting comfortably with family at his side.
He was born in Carleton County on January 18th, 1927 to parents James Arthur Semple and Nina Semple. The Semple family were proud and active residents of Florenceville (Buttermilk Creek) since the 1850’s with Harvey’s great-grandfather (David Semple) settling there after immigrating from Scotland. Harvey graduated from East Florenceville High School in 1944. Eager to serve his country, like his father James Arthur, at the age of seventeen Harvey enlisted in the Canadian Army (Artillery).
After the war, Harvey remained in New Brunswick to work and raise family but remained focused on his dream of being a Professional Engineer. He married Lorna Thomas and together they raised a family working hard to achieve shared goals. After graduation in 1964 and becoming a Professional Engineer, he joined the faculty at the University of New Brunswick until his retirement in 1991. He was a dedicated instructor who immensely enjoyed interaction with his students and took great pride in his work at the university. Outside of the university he maintained an active practice as a consulting engineer engaged in a variety of infrastructure projects.
Harvey lead an active life with a long list of hobbies, projects, organizations and outlets for his high energy and passion for life. That passion was seen in his daily life as he always had a strong desire to share and engage with others. Well know as an dedicated snowmobile enthusiast, he was a leader in the development of trail programs and logged thousands of kilometers throughout the province. Upon retirement, he embraced woodworking, developing a large home workshop and becoming an active member of the Fredericton Seniors Workshop. Harvey loved hockey and was a dedicated season ticket holder of the AHL teams and of course his beloved UNB Varsity Reds.
Harvey was pre-deceased by his wife Lorna; his parents, Nina and James Arthur Semple; his sister, Mary Jane Semple (Greenbank); his son, David Arthur Semple.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Marilyn Gail (Don) Nixon, son Eric Thomas Semple (Winifred Chew-Semple), grandchildren, David Smith (Andree-Line), Carey Smith (Iain MacDonald), David Benjamin Chew Semple and Morgan James Chew Semple and great-grandchildren, Mitchell and Jeremy Palmater, Kalab and Jadin Gray and Gabriel Smith.
A celebration of Harvey’s life will take place in the January at a time and place to be announced. Please watch for notice in this publication and on the Bishops Funeral Home Website.
