The family of Harry Herbert Palmer announce his peaceful passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on May 4, 2024. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick on December 19, 1942, Harry was the son of the late Herbert and Queenie (Nason) Palmer.
In 1945, Harry and his family moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. After the untimely death of his father, when Harry was eleven, his family returned to New Brunswick and lived amongst family in Fredericton Junction. Fredericton Junction is where Harry would foster an appreciation for what motivated him: family, knowledge, community service and sports.
After graduating in 1964 from Teacher's College, Harry and his late wife of 53 years, Sandra, began their life together in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, raising their family and developing long lasting friendships. It was in the Perth-Andover and surrounding areas, where Harry began a lifelong vocation in education. While working, he continued his education and acquired a Bachelor of Education Degree at Saint Thomas University and a Masters of Science in Education Degree at the University of Maine, Presque Isle. He was a Teacher, Administrator, and District Supervisor of Special Services. Throughout his career Harry felt that every student was exceptional and unique and deserved those exceptional measures to be successful. In his retirement, after moving with Sandra to Fredericton, where more beautiful friendships would develop, he shared his passion, knowledge and experience with young educators, including his youngest daughter, and as a supervisor and instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick.
Harry loved and played many sports. He played basketball, baseball, and coached hockey, including his son's hockey team, leading them to win provincial championships. He would go on to play goalie for the Maroons "old timer" hockey team and be an umpire for Softball Canada. He treasured the time spent watching his oldest daughter play basketball for the UNB Red Bloomers team. In retirement, he was an avid spectator at UNB hockey and basketball games. In the last few years however his very favourite team to watch was any team that involved his granddaughter, Megan.
Throughout his life Harry's commitment to community service was exemplary. Harry believed in providing and supporting opportunities for obtaining knowledge and experiences that would contribute to a more thoughtful and engaged society. Until his very last days he was actively supporting this passion in numerous community projects and committees.
Harry held dear the memories of his travels throughout Europe. Traveling, particularly with his wife Sandra, is where he could practise his love for history, learn more about people and share experiences. He appreciated the opinions of others and enjoyed a good debate that expanded the understanding of all involved. He especially treasured the debates with his oldest granddaughter, Sophia.
Together with Sandra, he built a life of integrity and generosity. He was a thoughtful observer and supported his family with immeasurable love and wisdom. A love that grew even bigger with the birth of his youngest granddaughter, Violet.
Harry is survived by his loving family, including his children: Andrew Palmer (Maura), Kentville, NS, Kara McCready (Mark), Quispamsis, NB, Katherine Palmer (Andrew Rogers), Fredericton, NB; his three adored granddaughters Sophia, Megan and Violet; his sister, Shirley Conrad (Allan), Dartmouth, NS; his niece, Trina Conrad, Toronto, ON, as well as treasured cousins both locally and abroad.
Besides his parents, Harry was predeceased by his wife, Sandra (Cunningham) Palmer, his father-in-law Angus Cunningham and mother-in-law Violet (Tabor) Cunningham, his niece, Debra Boehner, and by his first child, infant daughter, Sarah.
Harry's sense of humour, his insights, his shoulder shaking laugh and genuine nature will be forever missed by those that knew him, and we will be forever grateful for his presence in this world.
Harry's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, as well as Dr. Karol for their compassionate care. For those that wish, donations may be made to Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton Hospice, Fredericton Food Bank, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Visitation will take place at Bishop's Funeral Home on Friday, May 10th from 4:00pm-7:00pm. To commemorate Harry's life, a funeral will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 1:00 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton. Following the service, an interment will be held in the Gladstone Cemetery, Fredericton Junction, at 3:30pm. The funeral service will be live streamed on Christ Church Cathedral's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christchurchcathedralfton