Tag Archives: Girvan Harrison

Founding Member Kenny Mcginn writes in about Girv

Uncommonly fine large day” …..” what!!!!!!!!!! ”  Those words echoed in the classroom of Ranger School whenever the great man started his lectures. If the students didn’t respond loud enough he’d hold his hand to his ear until they responded more enthusiastically. Wakes em up he’d say. They needed to be sharp to absorb the lessons of life and nature’s intricate web.

As a fellow instructor the students gave you the fuel to teach with, enthusiasm. Girv knew that. If they didn’t have it , it was a job, if they did, it was a joy. We’d say some days you should get paid double, others, you’d work for free. Girv taught nature’s lessons, I taught math…Ugh.

Reprinted with permission from Ian (Smitty) Smith

 Girv ( MFRS  1980, second best class, but I’m biased ) came to the school as a field instructor in 1988 and I had the pleasure of working with him for the next 25 years. Girv was more than a great co-worker, he was my friend. We taught different disciplines but shared a love of nature and the school. Girv changed his office location many times during his tenure but regardless of the room, you could always find him, sit down and have a “say”.

You’d tap on the door and he’d be marking, always marking, and inquire “got a minute “. He’d put down his RED pen , slide back in his chair so far you would think he’d go on to the floor, and listen. He was a great listener. Many a person would lay out their problems and he may not always provide you life’s answers but when you left you felt he had. I would ask him for advice on how to communicate with this student or that he’d say sometimes all you have to do is listen and they’d figure it out for themselves. And many times they did.

He was a great partner to me when we worked together. I was more like the younger, sometimes annoying little brother, and he was the wise one. But that didn’t matter, we had so many good times. Sometimes after a lab we’d have a meeting of “the dead poets society” and discuss everything and anything. Many a time the words were greased with a little scotch. Sometimes Marie or Lou would call and remind us to come home. I sure do miss those times. So many good times. 

I taught dendrology when Rudy Stocek retired and was scared #’?%less but Girv mentored me through it. He forgot more about trees than I will ever know. When Girv retired he came back on his own dime and co-taught labs with me. My gosh we had fun. That was the common theme with working with him. We sure had fun.

Girv did not like like praise, it made him uncomfortable. He’d just say ” thank you for your kind words” and change the subject to what you were doing. Girv’s extensive accomplishments have been listed elsewhere, but his greatest to me were his wisdom, humbleness, intelligence,  and great listening skills.

Girv was a great family man,  teacher, mentor, lover of nature, and…. great friend. I didn’t stay in touch with him much when I retired, something I will always regret, but life was better with him in it and I will never forget him. Thanks for everything Girv and wherever you are , thanks for listening. 

Your friend always, Kenny  Mcginn mfrs 86 ( best class ever)

Girvan Harrison 1943-2019

The NBFTA lost one of its past presidents and founding members on October 28, 2019. Girvan Harrison or Girv, as he was affectionately known, was a true leader in forestry.

There are a lot of MFRS and MCFT graduates out there who have excelled in their careers thanks in large part to Girv’s knowledge, communication skills, humour, and tough love. You know who you are and know what I mean. He always managed to find the best in people and helped them to perform to the best of their ability.

He was a master of the red pen and Red ‘O‘ and made you do your job until you got it write right. Right?

Girv was recently predeceased by his wife, Marie, who was the love of his life. For those of you that knew Girv and/or Marie and wish to honour them please join family and friends for a celebration of life on November 9th at their home between 2pm and 6pm.

If you do not know where they lived please contact me at ce@mcft.ca for details.

Obituary

 Girvan Harrison
1943-2019

Girvan Harrison, age 75, of Gagetown, passed away at the Fredericton Hospital on October 28, 2019. Born in Westville, N.S., he was the son of the late Samuel (Congleton, Cheshire, England) and Mary (Girvan) Harrison (Rexton, NB). 

Girvan is survived by daughters Heather Harrison (Joseph) and Jena (Steven) Beauchamp, grandchildren Kalie and Warren Beauchamp all of Gagetown, sister Joan Harris (Baddeck, N.S.) and nephew Mel Harris (Baddeck, N.S.). 

Girvan was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Marie (Little) Harrison, whom he dearly missed.

Girvan was a very proud father and grandfather and would never miss an opportunity to brag about his family.  Growing up on Foxbrook Road in Westville, Girvan was also very proud of his Westville and Pictou County roots and loved reminiscing with his sister. 

Over a highly varied career, Girvan found his real calling as an instructor at the Maritime College of Forest Technology, and as a writer. His love of forests and nature resulted in writing “Nature’s Way”, a textbook for forest ecology courses. A sound understanding of human nature and how humans learn led Girvan to scribe the Roddie book series about woodland management. His engaging teaching style resulted in enduring friendships and a great deal of respect from his students and colleagues. A global thinker who acted locally, Girvan would have traded his many awards for some positive changes in forestry practices in the Maritimes.

There will be no funeral service held as per his request.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated.

http://www.oromoctofh.com/obituaries/141982