Obituary of William Harvey Brenton

William Harvey Brenton (October 17th, 1948 – June 6th, 2024) After a valiant eight-year fight with cancer, it is with immense sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of William Harvey Brenton, at the Placentia Health Centre on Thursday, June 6th, 2024. Predeceased by his parents Alice & Albert Brenton, mother-in-law & father-in-law Rose & Michael King, sister Mary Gerbig, brothers Eric Brenton and Bobby Brenton, sister-in-laws Frances Brenton, Sylvia Brenton, and Rosemary Dreaddy and brother-in-laws Tony Hickey, George Weiss and Donald King. Leaving to mourn with countless loving memories, are his treasured wife Ruth, his five children: Stephanie (Sean), Harvey (Christa), Melissa (John), Stephen (Pamela), and Matthew (Heidi), his precious grandchildren whom he cherished and loved: Madisyn, Sebastian, Sophia, Hannah, Gabrielle, Penelope, Nicholas, and Piper, and brothers and sisters: Gordon, Beatrice, Ernie (Carmel), Albert (Donna), Ethel (David), Marjorie, Ruby (Mike), Judy (Rick), Melvin (Sandra), and Lorraine (Lloyd). As well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, many friends, and our special furry friend Max. William Harvey, or Harvey as he was known, was born in Placentia, to parents Alice and Albert Brenton. Harvey, the fourth child of fourteen siblings, grew up in a house in Dunville, surrounded by music, which ignited one of his great passions. The other being the love of his life, Ruth, who he had been married to for 51 years, and never stopped courting. Harvey was a big believer in grand gestures and celebrating life’s milestones. A prolific singer and songwriter whose poetry swept his love off her feet and kept their romance going through good times and bad. They married on August 25th, 1972, and went on to have a family of five children, that he was truly devoted to in every sense of the word. He was an exceptional father, who led by example and was ever present to solve any and all crises brought to his feet, from bruised knees to broken hearts. Although Harvey lived away from the area for a few years, he returned to the place he loved. Community has always been close to Harvey’s heart, and he connected with many through his career and musical contributions. A gifted musician who played in many bands through the years and was known for his golden voice. Endless charisma and positivity were his trademark qualities; always finding the good in everyone. His personality proved valuable in his career as a dedicated businessman in Argentia for over 30 years. He always saw the potential for the area and worked to promote economic development and growth for the benefit of it. Harvey travelled far and wide to attract investment and create long term jobs. Upon retirement, he was the Chief Executive Officer with the Port of Argentia for 10 years. Above all, a quick wit, unparallelled sense of humour, and resilience through incredible adversity all helped Harvey thrive, not just survive, through the toughest challenge of his life, a cancer diagnosis. An example to his family right to the end, in how to keep getting back up even when you may feel like laying down, leaving nothing unspoken and making the most of every moment. The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and Placentia Health Centre, especially Dr. Al-Assaed, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Power and staff, for all their care and attention during his 8-year cancer battle. Also, a very special, heartfelt thank you to Mel Sparrow for your care and support which is as exceptional as you. Laying to rest at Coombs Funeral Home in Placentia, visitation will take place on June 13th, 2024, from 2-5 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral service will take place at 2 PM on Friday June 14th, 2024.Funeral shall be livestreamed You will be forever loved & missed. Not goodbye, but until next time. “The song has ended, but the melody lingers on…”