Obituary of Harry Maxwell LeDrew

It is with deep sadness that the family of Harry Maxwell LeDrew announce his passing on November 11,2024 at the Palliative care unit of North Haven Manor. Harry had suffered from dementia for the past several years and had resided at Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre for just over a year. He suffered a fall on Sunday evening that led to a fractured femur and he succumbed to his injury 24 hours later. Harry is predeceased by his parents Howard and Georgina (Lidstone) LeDrew, his Step-Mother Janet LeDrew, his Sister Daphne Curtis, Brother-in-Law Reuben Curtis and his youngest son Lloyd. Harry leaves to mourn his wife of 67 years, Shirley (Jefferies) LeDrew and three remaining children: Rick (Lily) Roger (Sharon) and Holly (Denis Longuepee). Also leaving to mourn are 6 Grandchildren and 9 Great- Grandchildren, as well as a number of cousins and a large circle of friends. Harry was born in Laurenceton and lived his entire life there. He had no desire to go or live anywhere else. He loved spending time in the woods snaring rabbits, hunting moose, and cutting wood. Harry quit school in grade 8 and went to work in the woods as so many of his generation did. He started his work life as a “cookee” and went on to cut wood and drive a skidder for many years. He was widely known for his strong work ethic. Harry also worked many years with the Department of Transportation and Works as a Heavy Equipment Operator and drove the snow plow in the area. His family remembers many a Christmas Day with dinner having to be juggled due to Harry’s commitment to keeping the roads clear. Harry retired at age 60 and spent many of his retirement years in the woods, in addition to honing his skill playing the button accordion. He will be remembered in Laurenceton for his performances at the Community Centre during special occasions. We will be forever grateful to Dr.Jody Woolfrey for being Harry’s family doctor for so many years. Dr. Woolfrey was not only Harry’s family physician but he and Harry loved to talk and banter about the old days and the old ways! We have no doubt that his exceptional care and sensible approach contributed to Harry’s long life. The family would also like to thank the staff of Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre for their exceptional care of Harry over the past 14 months. Harry unfortunately spent some of the final hours of his life at the emergency department of the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand falls -Windsor but the doctors and staff made this difficult time so much easier to bear. Their expertise as well as their care and compassion were greatly appreciated. In addition, Harry spent his final hours in palliative care at North Haven Manor. Thanks also to the staff there for their care and compassion as Harry passed from this life onto the next. As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the People in Need (PIN) fund laurencetonchurch@yahoo.com in Harry’s memory. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Families Funeral Home in Lewisporte. Visitation will be held at Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle in Laurenceton on Friday, November 15th from 2:00 pm -4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm -9:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held at the Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 am with interment to follow at the Laurenceton cemetery. Funeral services will also be live streamed for those wishing to attend virtually through Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle/Facebook.