Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison
Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison was called to Heaven on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his six loving children and devoted wife of 60 years.
Mac was born in Clandeboye, Ontario, the eldest of three, to Jack and Doris (née McWilliam) Harrison. He was proud of his upbringing and the farm-boy values they shaped – hard work, straight talk, and a neighbourly hand. He often regaled his kids and grandchildren with tales from ‘when he was a little boy’.
In his 85 years on Earth, Mac was larger than life, with a distinctive stride, a booming laugh, and a firm ‘look ‘em in the eye’ handshake. He had a quick wit, a great sense of adventure, a joy of travel and a deep love of family.
Mac proudly spent his career at Imperial Tobacco Limited. Starting as a young man at leaf auction through to national and international executive sales management, he was a leader who exemplified ‘firm but fair’ and ‘invest in people.’
The role he was most proud of was ‘father’. Big, warm and fun to hug, he loved making memories with his family. Whether it was travel to Italy or a kitchen party with guitars and singing country music, he was happiest surrounded by all of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, sipping a dram of single malt.
Mac is survived by his wife Sheila (née Valenti), children Doris, Barbara Jeanne (Terry), Jacquie (Jeremiah), Tony (Traci), Maria (David), and Tim (Amy).
Grandchildren Rachel (27), Abby (25), Mike (20), Sofia (15), Ethan (11), Anna (9) Lachlan (7) Ronan (4).
Siblings Marlene (Glen) and Don.
Visitation will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mac’s memory to WAWOS Canada (We’re All Working On Something). This national charity is dedicated to celebrating and supporting kids and teens with physical disabilities.