Obituary of Harold Earl Pfaff

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Harold Earl ‘Bud’ Pfaff.  Dad, brother, uncle and friend, Bud passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon August 27, 2017 at his beautiful Belle-Lea Acres Farm at the age of 93, surrounded by friends and family.  He will be greatly missed by many.

His incredible attitude, strength and love of life made him cherished by family and friends; he left a lasting and unforgettable impression on all those he met. He will be long remembered as a persistent and passionate letter writer to local editors.

Harold Bud Pfaff was born in Toronto on October 24, 1923, to Harold and Vera M. Pfaff. (nee Schweitzer of New Hamburg, Ontario)  He attended Danforth Technical School and Canada Radio College in Toronto.  In 1938, at 15, he joined the Toronto Sea Cadets and at 19, joined the Canadian Merchant Marine in WW2 as a Radio Officer.

He proudly served on the SS High Park, the Silver Star Park (Oil Tanker) and the Sutherland Park.  After the war, he worked overseas with the United Nations in Greece (UNSCOB – United Nations Special Committee on the Balkans) and India. (UNRIP – United Nations Republic of India and Pakistan) 

After returning from his service, he was the Assistant Manager of the Odeon Fairlawn Theatre in North Toronto and Odeon Danforth.  Bud moved to Peterborough, where he started up his own business and became a successful leader in the community.  He also volunteered much of his time to a variety of causes that he cared about such as saving Wenonah Park from condominium development.

He is the former owner of Canadian Sound and Signal Ltd. and Trent Insulation.  Never wanting to retire, Bud continued to successfully run his company Jiffy Products, Inc. from his farm and also managed investments in several residential properties.

Bud is survived by his son William ‘Wylie Harold’ Pfaff of Peterborough and his long time companion Michelle Stoodley, as well as many extended family members.  He also leaves his sister-in-law Pearl Van Ness of Barrie and two nephews: Gary Van Ness of Utopia, Randy Van Ness of Barrie and their families as well as Ron & Rita Pfaff .  Bud was predeceased by his younger brother Earl. 

A special thank you to Victoria Pearce, his dedicated caregiver, and Denise Carriere whose comfort and support while in palliative care has been greatly appreciated by the family. Thanks also to his long time friends Laura Dowsett, Jay Sutton and Lucy Brown, Veteran Affairs, the V.O.N., Saint Elizabeth Health Care family doctor, Dr. Archibald and Palliative Care doctor, Dr. Johnathan Mallory for all their love, dedication and support.  The family is eternally grateful for the loving care Bud received.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Hendren’s Funeral Home in Lakefield, Ontario.  A celebration of life will be held afterwards.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Five Counties Children’s Centre or Camp Kawartha would be appreciated.