Obituary of Harold Gilbert Acres

To truly love is to truly lose.

Suddenly and unexpectedly with his family by his side - November 23, 2022 - the family of Harold Gilbert Acres lost one very unique individual at Stratford General Hospital. 

 A loving and dearly loved husband of Linda (Brintnell).  Cherished and adored father to Jeffery (deceased July 27, 2022), Melissa & Ron Holt, Timothy Paul (deceased 1969), Adam & Kristi Acres, and Jennifer Boyce.  Treasured grampa, poppy or pops of Andrew & Amanda Acres, Shawn Vidinha, Brandi Holt, Jesse Acres, Holly Vidinha, Angel Acres (deceased 1996), Zachary Acres, Brittany Boyce, Benjamin Acres, and Zane Logan.  Harold had 6 great grandchildren. 

Harold is remembered by his siblings Carol Doyle (deceased 2018), Richard & Donna Acres, Sharon (Harold) Jones, Violet Acres, and William Acres (deceased 1962).

Predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Jean "Diane" Rea, and his parents, Grant & Marjorie Acres.

 Harold's first job was with Andy Anderson's greenhouses in London.  After he and Diane were married and children arrived on the scene, he moved on.  Harold started work at the P.U.C. in London on October 29, 1973 and retired with 30 years in 2003.  During this time, he bought 5 different homes which he re-built and sold.  The last home was on Wellington Street in St. Marys.

It was at Tim Horton's in St. Marys that he met the girl he was looking for.  They had been childhood sweethearts through public school in Motherwell.  Linda Clarke was six and Harold was ten.  Age plays a roll and each in turn married and had their families; both losing spouses.  Harold and Linda were married on July 23, 2022 after being together for four years.  On July 24, 2022 Harold's oldest son, Jeff, had a heart attack and was pronounced dead on July 27, 2022.  It was a shocking blow for all of us.

Being together was like he and Linda had never been apart those sixty some years.  On November 23, just four months after getting married, Harold has taken a different trip and left both family and friends in shock.  We can just imagine the party going on above with loved ones gone on before.  Memories of this truly unique man will live on through many, many people.  To know him was to like and love him.  Keep the golden gates ajar a little, Harold, we'll see you again someday.

Visitation will be held at the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. S. St. Marys, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 pm. A Farewell celebration of Harold's life will be held at the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at 11 am.  Private family burial in St. Marys Cemetery. Click here to view a video of the cemetery service.

Memorial donations to St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or charity of your choice.