Herbert McIlveen
March 7th, 2012
It is with great sadness that the family of Herbert McIlveen announces his passing at the age of 89 years at the Langley Memorial Hospital on March 7, 2012 following a brief illness. Herb was predeceased by his parents, Kathleen and George McIlveen and brother Charles in Belfast, Ireland. Herb is survived by his loving wife Lisa; his dear sister Kay Estell; nieces: Pat Sorochan (Wayne) and Shauna Boden (John); nephews: Paul Estell (Gail), Glenn Estell (Lorraine), Ross Estell (Paulette), Sean Estell (Caroline) and stepsons: Rick (Ilze) and Klaus (Janice) and grandchildren: Krista, Meridith, Mackenzie and Michael. In Ireland, nephews and nieces: Yvonne Sterling (Richard), James McIlveen (Viola), Fiona (Thomas) and Corrine (George). Herb was born in Belfast, Ireland and took all his schooling in Belfast. After graduation Herb was employed by the Belfast Transportation Company in various capacities and as a busman. During the war, Herb faithfully carried out his voluntary duties as an Air Raid Warden. Interested in promoting neighbourhood youth activities, he and his best friend Gunnar became leaders in the Manors Street Boys Club.
Herb always dreamed of coming to Canada and after his sister’s visit to Ireland from Canada, he followed and emigrated to Mirror, Alberta in 1951. Employed by Honeyboy Bread, Herb quickly rose through the ranks of the company and became the production manager for Northern Alberta. In 1983 McGavins Toastmaster Bread transferred him to Langley, BC to become production manager where he retired in 1986 after a loyal and distinguished career. His faith in the Lord was never wavering, neither was his beautiful Irish tenor voice. A member of the Westmount Presbyterian Church in the mid 1950’s (Edmonton), Herb’s initiative led to the creation of Braeside Presbyterian Church (St. Albert) of which he remained active until his move to BC. Since coming to BC, Herb was a member of Langley Presbyterian Church and was again active in the choir, as a soloist and in the production of plays and musicals. In 2007 Herb celebrated 50 years of Eldership with the Presbyterian church, a dedication he loved very much.
Herb was a Freemason, a member of PROBUS (Langley) and was also involved with many other community organizations. Herb touched all he met and made many lasting friends. He will be remembered for his sincerity, honesty, politeness and that he always welcomed people into his heart without conditions. Herb’s beautiful tenor voice, his kindness to others and his gentle presence will be missed by all. Memorial service, Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 am at the Langley Presbyterian Church 20867 – 44 Ave., Langley with a reception to follow. The family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.
Messages:
Dear Lisa, We were sorry to learn of Herb's passing. He truly was a wonderful friend. "Uncle McIlveen" was always a favourite of the Kelly Kids. Love from Joan and the 4 Kelly Kids, Valerie, Marilyn, David, Brenda
Dear Lisa and family, so sorry for your great loss. The world is a better place because of Herb being in it, and now Heaven is the lucky one. He was a great and good man and always had time for a kind word or smile. He was one of a kind and will always be fondly remembered.
I would like to convey our deepest condolences to Lisa and the fmily. We got to know Herb through the Red Hatters and enjoyed his company at our get-togethers. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa.
Dear Lisa: Uncle Herb was the most thoughtful and loving uncle anyone could have. We treasure our memories and special times spent together. God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me" He took you to His garden and laid you there to rest Gods garden must be beautiful, for he only takes the best. Love, Paul and Gail Estell and Family Alix, Alberta
Herb was such a kind gentleman and everyone's friend. He became an honorary grandfather to our children and attended all their music concerts and other special family events. Herb, you and Duane enjoyed a long friendship and working relationship at McGavins. Duane valued those years with you. After retirement, Duane enjoyed meeting you at "the office" (Tim Hortens). Herb, you were also an honorary Red Hatter to our Red Hat Chapter and loved by all our Red Hat ladies. We will so miss you, Herb, at all our family get-to-gethers. Our youngest granddaughter summed Herb's character up nicely when she said, "Grandma, Herb was a really good guy."
HI HERB I KNOW YOUR LISTENING. WILL NEVER FORGET OUR FRIENDLY CHATS WHEN WE MET. NOR YOUR KIND AND ENCOURAGING WORDS WHEN I WAS IN HOSPITAL SOME YEARS AGO. YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND, AN ORIGINAL, WHAT WE NEED MORE OF. REST WELL. JOHN
Wir freuen uns, dass wir Herb Mc Ilveen kennenlernen durften u. werden ihn in sehr guter Erinnerung behalten. Vielen Dank für die Übermittlung u. liebe Grüße an die Familie. Hans u. Krista Engelke aus Germany
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to become a true friend of Herbs'. We both enjoyed our singing together and you took the high notes and I took the low notes Herb! We took "One Day At a Time" every time I visited with you at the hospital and we shared a few hymns together even then. You were a man who truly showed the life of a Christian to every person you met. You will truly be missed by all, but you are now in the place that you lived for and I know you will be looking down on us and waiting to be with us again and sing the praises we have shared here. Indeed "It is Well With Thine Soul"
When Christ shall come, With shouts of acclamation, And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow In humble adoration And there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!" Herb, you are in a place where only Truth exists and one day, one day we all shall walk together in that place.
i know you are now walking with the lord. we are deeply grieving and missing you here, but are looking forward to seeing you again in heaven for eternity. h.m. you set an example in my life and i will always be greatfull for all you did for me. e.g.