Harold Fried

Harold passed away peacefully on January 21, with loved ones by his side, just shy of his 94th birthday. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Alice, children, Karen (Andy), Geoff (Caroline), Allison (Frank) and Lisa, 7 grandchildren, and family in Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Harold is predeceased by his parents Anders and Victoria and twin brother Harry.

Growing up in the Toronto community of Mimico, Harold worked in his family’s greenhouses on Evan’s Ave. From there it was a natural transition for him to attend the University of Guelph as an “Aggie”, graduating in 1954 with a degree from the Ontario Agricultural College.

After graduation, Harold worked in various agricultural roles throughout Southwestern Ontario, including fertilizer sales, agricultural research and crop evaluation. He also set up an agricultural research station in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Though he enjoyed working in agriculture and had many stories to share, Harold always wanted to be a teacher. In 1961 he walked into T.L. Kennedy Secondary School in Mississauga and was hired on the spot. While teaching, he continued with his own education earning his Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. Harold taught at T.L. Kennedy throughout his teaching career and spent many years as Head of the Science Department, passionately engaged in student success both in class and after school. He was staff leader for many student activity clubs, including the Science and Photography Clubs, sharing his love of science and enjoyment of photography with students. Sharing his knowledge with students and encouraging and supporting their success motivated him. Harold retired from teaching in 1993.

In addition to being a lifelong educator and learner, Harold was engaged in the community as a volunteer. He was a Boy Scout leader, hockey coach, and volunteered for years with the Ministry of Correctional Services as a volunteer probation officer and earned several Community Service Awards for his efforts, including Volunteer of the Year. Harold also volunteered for many years with the Brampton Flower Festival, Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and the YMCA. Following his retirement from teaching his community involvement continued. He worked with Elections Canada and Elections Ontario and became a part-time limousine chauffeur, driving for weddings and special events. Harold was also an active member of Probus Men’s Club of Brampton, taking part in many of the group’s clubs and workshops, including playing Bridge and golf well into his late eighties.

Harold loved his family and touched countless lives in the classroom and in the community. He will be missed.

Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Brampton Civic Hospital for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to William Osler Health System or the charity of your choice.

Click Here to Donate to the William Osler Health System Foundation