CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF
ERNEST HENRY HARRISON
"SAM"
...a tribute from the Family
Ernest Henry Harrison was born in Coburg on the 28th November 1924. Very few knew him as Ernest - the nickname “SAM” that originated from the midwife who attended his birth, stayed with him throughout his life and was always used by both family and friends.
Sam was the eldest of four children, followed by Alan, two years his junior, Robert who passed away at 11 months and Sylvia...the baby of the family. They grew up in the inner suburbs of Melbourne – North Melbourne where he attended Errol Street State School, South Melbourne then Carlton. Tales have been told of the mischief both he and Alan got up to as young boys then how Sylvia would insist on “tagging along” with them as they grew older.
His working life began at age 14 when he left school to take on a variety of jobs including working at Willow Can and the glass works and as a clock setter at various Town Halls throughout Melbourne. It was from here that Sam enlisted in the Air Force in December 1942, having just turned 18. He served for three years which included a wartime posting overseas. Following his discharge he continued the bond with his unit, 22 RSU, and for many years met up with old friends at their annual reunion and on Anzac Day for the march to the Shrine. Very few years went by when Sam wasn't involved in the March (a tradition that continued into his 80's) and he could always be relied upon to proudly help carry the unit's banner.
On discharge from the RAAF, Sam joined the family business working at The Queen Victoria and South Melbourne Markets. He worked hard to make sure the business was a success and his friendly, “happy go lucky” nature meant he was well liked by customers and stall-holders alike.
Sam's path took a life-changing turn in 1948 when he met Gloria, a good friend and workmate of Sylvia's. This eventually led to their marriage at the Church of Christ in Northcote on 17th February 1951; it was to be a long and happy 63 year partnership of devotion to each other – they did everything together and were a fine example of love and commitment. Gloria, whom he affectionately called the “girlfriend”, was truly the love of his life.
Two years into married life Sam & Gloria had scraped enough money together to purchase their very own home - 250 Albert Street Brunswick. Requiring a little TLC, slowly but surely improvements were made to the house by Sam when time permitted. They had three children whilst living there – Linda, born in 1955, followed by Ern two and a half years later then Ray in 1964. The family spent 17 happy years in this Brunswick home before moving to their Parkview Avenue Greensborough home in 1970, and it was here that Sam & Gloria stayed until their final move into Grace Villa Aged Care Facility in 2013.
As the family grew older, Sam was joined in the business by Gloria working both at the Victoria Market stall as well as his new venture at Caribbean Gardens Market. This working partnership would continue for many years and Sam was in his 80's before they finally, and somewhat reluctantly retired, making many friends along the way. Sam was a well known and respected figure amongst the Market community, one of the longest standing stall holders there and his leaving left a gap difficult to fill...he was literally “the voice” of the Vic Market.
Sam, and Gloria, shared in a lifetime love of music – there was always music playing in the home, often from Sam's extensive record collection...when he wasn't listening to music he was whistling his own tunes. Part of this joy of music stemmed from his early years when he'd regularly go to the State Theatre, on the corner of Flinders and Russell Streets, to listen to the Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ being played. During the 70's Sam, along with Gloria, rekindled this passion and became members of the Theatre Organ Society of Australia. They got a lot of pleasure from attending recitals and social gatherings and particularly looked forward to the annual Easter Convention held in different interstate locations throughout Australia.
The family enjoyed many trips within Australia while the children were young. Tassie was a favourite in the earlier days, sailing across on the Princess of Tasmania then all into the VW camper van (Sam's car of choice for many years) to visit Alan, Betty and family before touring around the State. These family gatherings were fun times, Sam particularly enjoying the chance to get together with Alan. But in the early 80's Sam & Gloria decide to venture further afield and for some reason decided upon Fiji. They instantly loved the relaxed lifestyle and friendliness of the locals, so much so that it became a passion and they would return year after year for many years, sometimes with grandchildren now in tow.
Sam had seven grandchildren - Jacob &Tristan, Matt (married to Katie) & Tara (married to Nick), Kirstie, Rebecca & Lauren and two great grandchilden - Riley & Koby, all of whom had a special place in his heart. He welcomed any opportunity to help out with the grandchildren and you could see the joy on his face when they were around. As a father and grandfather Sam was ready to impart wisdom and advice, and was always there when needed.
Sam was blessed with good health, a positive attitude and zest for life that saw him very active until well into his 80's. He lived a full and happy life and refused to let age become a barrier to his enjoyment of it. Sam celebrated his 90th Birthday in November last year, a wonderful achievement, with lots of family and friends in attendance. Almost a year ago he lost Gloria, his partner of 63 years, and it had been a tough time for Sam in many ways since then. His passing last Wednesday has filled us with sadness and we will miss him dearly, but Sam is now at peace and reunited with Gloria.
Sam will be remembered by us all for the man that he was – as a respected role model to the entire extended family, for his patience and calmness in adversity, for his fun loving ways and all the happy times shared together, but especially for his love and dedication to Gloria and their family.
His integrity, self-sacrifice and hard work throughout life will continue to inspire all those who knew him...
The Song
Is Ended
But
The Melody
Lingers On.