Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison
October 29, 2024
Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison was called to Heaven on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his six loving children and devoted wife of 60 years.
Mac was born in Exeter, Ontario, the eldest of three, to Jack and Doris (née McWilliam) Harrison. He was proud of his upbringing and the farm-boy values they shaped – hard work, straight talk, and a neighbourly hand. He often regaled his kids and grandchildren with tales from ‘when he was a little boy’.
In his 85 years on Earth, Mac was larger than life, with a distinctive stride, a booming laugh, and a firm ‘look ‘em in the eye’ handshake. He had a quick wit, a great sense of adventure, a joy of travel and a deep love of family.
Mac proudly spent his career at Imperial Tobacco Limited. Starting as a young man at leaf auction through to national and international executive sales management, he was a leader who exemplified ‘firm but fair’ and ‘invest in people.’
The role he was most proud of was ‘father’. Big, warm and fun to hug, he loved making memories with his family. Whether it was travel to Italy or a kitchen party with guitars and singing country music, he was happiest surrounded by all of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, sipping a dram of single malt.
Mac is survived by his wife Sheila (née Valenti), children Doris, Barbara Jeanne (Terry), Jacquie (Jeremiah), Tony (Traci), Maria (David), and Tim (Amy).
Grandchildren Rachel (27), Abby (25), Mike (20), Sofia (15), Ethan (11), Anna (9) Lachlan (7) Ronan (4).
Siblings Marlene (Glen) and Don.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., from Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London, with a Funeral Mass to follow Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London.
A livestream is available for those unable to attend the Funeral Mass in person.
Please click on the link below to join:
Livestream of Funeral Mass for Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison
Webinar ID: 852 1048 2812Passcode: 214373International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kyB5Ti9N8
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mac’s memory to WAWOS Canada (We’re All Working On Something). This national charity is dedicated to celebrating and supporting kids and teens with physical disabilities.
Leave a tribute for Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison
Leave a tribute
I miss you so much. One day I’ll do your focaccia recipe proud. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me.
Safe travels until we meet again. I love you Uncle Mac.
Our condolences to Shelia and family. It’s been a while since I’ve last seen Mac but my parents have always kept in touch and would give me updates on how you were doing. He will truly be missed.
Sheila and family. Mark and I ( and all our family) want to express our deepest condolences We all have glorious memories of Mac. He was larger than life with a smile and full bellied laugh that we will always remember. You were blessed with the greatest father and husband. You gave him the greatest gift anyone can give their father and husband ... a family that he could not have been more proud of... or loved more. His life was full and fantastic... he made the people he met better... he left a bit of himself in everyone he touched. I will cherish so many found memories of all the wonderful times I spent with him so much love to all of you, Joanne
My condolences to Shelia and family. I was shocked to read obits in the Harold this week end. Will let our CWL members know and to keep you in our prayers.
I was so very deeply saddened and devastated upon hearing of Mac's passing. I thought to myself the world is missing a truly great and wonderful person today. Mac was an exemplary person to work under. He put the" fun" in work with his enthusiasm, marvelous sense of humor and booming laughter. He made people feel good in his presence. He will be greatly missed. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Sheila and the entire family. Rest in peace my friend.
Mac was one of my interviewers when I applied at ITL. The interview was like a chat with a good friend. I remember how Mac always had a great sense of humour no matter what was happening and was always respectful and caring. Whenever we were with Mac and his family we were treated like family. All our memories of Mac are special and we will keep them with us always. To Sheila and all of Mac and Sheila’s family our most heart felt condolences and sympathies. Much love Doreen & Don
I will never forget Mac’s warm and welcoming smile and his ability to make everybody in the room laugh. He was always so jovial whenever you were around him and I will always remember that. I’m so glad he brought his family to Australia all those years ago. I know how much his family loved him so I can’t imagine how devastating this loss must feel but I also know how much he loved his family and I hope they can find some solace in that love. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to the entire Harrison clan.
I first met Mac in 1974; after answering an ad in the local newspaper for a sales position with ITL. Knocking on the door of the interview room it swung open and a booming voice said: "Rob, Mac". Then this huge paw that was thrust in my direction snatched me in; closing the door in one seamless and fluid motion.. And the rest, as they say, is history. Mac success was built and shaped by Family and Faith. A visionary who's humor endeared those whom he touched with a spirit that you never wanted to disappoint. Mac was inclusive and challenging with others, having more faith in others, at times than they had in themselves.. One of his many motos was: "Work Hard & Play Hard" and it wasn't just a catchy slogan,... He Always Delivered. A Class Act who batted our failures away, alway keeping people focused on the bigger prizes. As mentioned, Mac's success and strength is his family. To Sheila, Doris, Barbara-Jeanne, Jacquie, Tony, Maria and Tim our sincerest condolences. Sharman & I have watched you develop into the successful adults that you are today... It's obvious that Mac with Sheila's Love and talents, did his best development work, at home. Rest In Peace Peace Rob & Sharman Hammonds Plains N.S.
Sheila we were saddened to hear of Mac’s passing.I have so many good memories of your time here in Cole Harbour. You and your family are in our prayers.
I can't help but reminisce about my first day with Imperial Tobacco, that was the day that I went to pick up the company car at Mac's house and was introduced to Mac. He was very welcoming, gracious and a very funny guy. His words of encouragement stayed with me throughout my career with Imperial Tobacco. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family. R.I.P. Mac
Condolences to you Shelia and your family. We will all miss him.
We met Mac and Sheila when we joined the Canadian Rockies Miata Club (Calgary back in 2011). While Diane and I are relatively new members to the club, we have fond memories of Mac. There was always something to be learned from our conversations. Be it a Sunday breakfast, a road trip adventure or our very own Canadian Rockies Miata Club Rockies Rendezvous. That weekend at the Kananaskis village with a host of other Miata fans driving the Highwood pass. Mac’s passion for family, driving, and travel was always evident. Mac you will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences to Sheila, family and friends.
My deepest sympathies go to you, Sheila, your children and grandchildren. Mac was such a vibrant man; he ran the whole gamut from laughing wholeheartedly to being no-nonsense and resolute. His death will leave a huge hole in the family, but I hope that sharing your memories will keep him alive for you all. Sincere condolences, Heather Baylis
Mac zest for life and people was always a pleasure to be around. He said it the way it is!! Always time for a wee scotch and a story. A pleasure to call him our friend. May Gid Bless his dear wife Sheila and their family.
I miss you, save a place for me in Heaven. I love you DAD!
To the Harrison family Maurine and I would like to offer our condolences and prayers at this very difficult time .
The only thing better than having you as dad and father-in-law, is that Sofia had you as her grandfather. Love you always.
Dear Mac, You moved through the world with a commanding presence and left an indelible impression on everyone you met. You made the hard stuff look easy and you never missed a beat. The fact that the A-Team gather to this very day in celebration of your leadership, tell war stories and raise a glass in your honour is a testament to your true character. Thank you for Barbara Jeanne, who loves you more than anything in this world. You are dearly missed and will never be forgotten.
Mac was a smart, fun and cool dude! Heartfelt condolences to Sheila, family and friends.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word. Mac was larger than life so passionate and fair with everyone he came in contact with. It was an honour to work with and know him . Our condolences to Sheila and family he will be truly missed but never forgotten. RIP Mac
Mac was truly one of the coolest. With a fun, loving personality and disposition. It was always a pleasure and a memorable adventure like time in his presence. Sincere and genuine. It was great to see and chat with him at the recent family picnic this past August at Tim and Amy’s. Mac will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. God Bless him, Shiela and the whole Harrison gang. Sending love and prayers.
Services for Gene MacWilliam “Mac” Harrison
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North
London, Ontario
November 18, 2024 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North
London, Ontario
November 19, 2024 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Funeral Mass will be held at:
St. Michael's Parish
511 Cheapside Street
London, Ontario
November 19, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Reception will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North
London, Ontario
November 19, 2024 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Interment will be held at:
St. James Anglican Cemetery
34102 Richmond Street
Lucan, Ontario
November 19, 2024 3:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
My condolences to Jacquie and Family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mac a few times during my tenure at ITL. On one particular occasion we were all at an ITL event, Mac was walking around with a new hire and walked over to me and said to the new hire, " Id like you to meet my son Rob Harrison", I was caught off guard and looked at Mac, he had the belly laugh going and i subsequently joined along. RIP Mac
~ Rob Harrison