Harry, in his 90th year, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Beattie Manor in Wardsville, Ontario.
Born at home on Mechanic Street, Uxbridge, son of the late Jack and May Stemp. Loving father of the late Dana of Uxbridge, and Ryan (Tammie) of Nova Scotia. Father-in-law to Stacey Stemp (née Millar) of Uxbridge. Beloved Grandpa to Garrett and Mia Stemp of Uxbridge, and Christopher Keeler of Strathroy. Harry is survived by his sister Jean, and brother Barry (Shirley), and predeceased by sisters Helen and Barbara, and brother Lloyd. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, and remembered fondly by Kathryn Stemp.
With the exception of the 10 years he lived in Ottawa, Harry called Uxbridge home.
Harry began his storied career in the newspaper industry with the Uxbridge Times-Journal, beginning as a linotype operator at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal, and eventually owned eight weekly newspapers throughout central Ontario, including the Times-Journal, with his business partner, the late Bill Keyzers. Along with the newspaper titles, Harry and Bill also owned the Uxbridge Printing Company, which printed everything from stationery to newspapers.
He started writing his award-winning column ‘Stemp's Stew’ in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after the sale of the newspaper chain in 1989, but was revived in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to the Uxbridge Cosmos newspaper.
In addition to being a publisher and editor (and copy-editor, delivery man, sales person, reporter, etc.), Harry was a past-president and former executive director for the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA). In this role, he travelled extensively throughout Canada, and was incredibly proud of this country.
Harry believed in being involved and in giving back to the community in which he grew up. It wasn't just about monetary donations - he was also generous with his time and was passionate about enriching the lives of the people in his community, his family and his friends. Harry co-chaired the successful Spring Water Days for many years, was a recipient of the Uxbridge Citizen of the Year Award and the Canada 150 Service Award. Harry was past-president of the Uxbridge Kinsmen Club, and earned life membership with the Royal Canadian Legion.
Harry faithfully walked 5 km around his community each day before dawn, was an excellent skier and an avid golfer in both Canada and Barbados. Harry shared his love for travel and adventure with his family. Lifelong memories were made with his boys and grandchildren, exploring Canada during family vacations. Barbados held a special place in Harry’s heart; he was often joined by family and friends to vacation and celebrate milestones. Harry was fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world, spreading his unique joie de vivre, making friends and enjoying ‘cold ones’ wherever he went.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, and cremation has taken place. A celebration of Harry’s life will be announced at a later date. In Harry’s memory, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation would be sincerely appreciated. Memories and words of condolence can be left at www.lowandlow.ca.