December 23, 1933 - August 30, 2021
In Loving Memory of Harry was born in Verdun Quebec to parents John Richard Groom and Rose Joncas. He joined the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Own Rifles in May 1951 when he was 17 and served until 1978 when he retired from the military. He followed up with a career as a Victoria Sheriff for 17 years.
He joined the Prince Edward #91 Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1978 holding many executive positions including Branch President for 10 years. During that time, he was instrumental in finding a home for the Goldstream Food Bank, looking after the Prince Edward Lodge, and was a leader in the creation of the Alexander Mackie Retirement Lodge. Harry was instrumental in the building of Veterans Memorial Park in Langford where a bronze statue of him sits on a bench with a young boy explaining the meaning of the poppy.
Harry is predeceased by his 5 sisters and 3 brothers and his wife Ethel Bartholomew in 2002 and wife Phyllis Wansbrough in 2009.
He is survived by son Terence Groom (Theresa), grandson Michael Groom and grandsons Skyler Groom and Hayden Groom.
Harry's last Commanding Officer said of Harry ...Groom is scrupulously honest and a completely trustworthy man who can be totally relied upon to execute any task assigned to him... Harry lived a life of service; he made the world at large and his local community a better place.
A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Branch #91 at 761 Station Avenue on October 17th at 1 - 4 pm. Attendance will be limited in accordance with Provincial Health Office regulations.