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Dr. Harold Mountain

July 27, 2011

Suddenly on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, Dr. Harold “Hal” Mountain of London at the age of 77. Beloved husband of Kathy. Beloved father of Peter and his wife Jody, and Maria and her husband Paul. Cherished Bumpa of Nicholas and Kristina. Dear brother of Tom and his wife Diane. Hal graduated from Medical School at the University of Western Ontario in 1958 and practiced psychiatry in London from 1963-2005. He was also the founder of W.O.T.C.H. (Therapeutic Community). He loved spending time at his cottage at Red Bay where he enjoyed sailing, skiing, and spending time with family and friends. Public visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A private family service will be held. Cremation to follow with interment of ashes in Red Bay Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Hal are asked to consider W.O.T.C.H. or the London Regional Cancer Program. Online condolences available at >www.westviewfuneralchapel.com

 

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Dear Cathy, Pete, Jody, Nic and Kristina, Maria and Paul: Jim and I were so sorry to hear of Hal's sudden passing. We love RedBay, and the sailing club is a big part of that love. Hal's passing has torn a big hole in our hearts. We pray that God, the source of eternal comfort, will comfort you as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jim and Alice Huras

~ Jim and Alice Huras

Dear Kathy, Pete & Jody, Nick & Kristina, Maria & Paul we were saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband, father and Bumpa. He will live on in our memories always . Larry and Marie

~ Larry and Marie Burke

Kathy, Maria & Paul, Peter & Jodi, Nic & Kristina.... There are no words that anyone can say to suddenly make things better.... I cannot tell you how shocked we all were when Jodi came t our door early Wednesday morning. "Doc" will FOREVER be a part of my/our memories here at Red Bay. Whether it be the many different sailboats that helped dot the landscape, the Red Bay sailing club, or the pleasant smile of a cherished neighbour, "Hal" will always be in our hearts and memories. Red Bay has lost one of its finest citizens.... Our deepest sympathy to you all.

~ John Sanderson & Family

Kathy Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time. I know some of the class are hoping to be able to express their sympathy personally. I have some recent health issues that may prevent me from attending, but I do send you to you my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Sincerely, Shirley (Richardson) Clark

~ Shirley Clark

I met Hal and his wonderful family through the sailing club at Red Bay. His keen mind was always working and had at least one solution to any problem. He loved to look at life's important questions from as many perspectives as possible and he was always keen to talk about the new insights he gained from what he had recently read. His use of phrases such as: "on the other hand" or "looking at the bright side" allowed him to show off both his incredible intellect and dry sense of humour. Hal instantly endeared himself to everyone with his warm smile and his famous tee shirts. I'll never forget the one that read "Old sailors never die, they just get a little dinghy". I cherish the many wonderful memories of times spent with this gentle, generous giant of a man who made Red Bay and the Sailing Club very special gathering places for me and everyone in my family. Deepest condolences to Kathy and family from Steve, Brenda, David, Michael, Sarah and Peter.

~ Steve Hagedorn

Dear Kathy I was saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Dr. Mountain. He was always an inspiration to me and all the staff at Wotch and will be missed. He was a great visionary and his values will continue through the work that continues to be done at WOTCH.

~ Frank Mazza

I knew Hal for a short time as a member of the Swoot Radio Control Flying Club. I feel fortunate to have had his friendship, and will have many fond memories of our gatherings at the flying field. Condolences to the family

~ Lloyd Switzer

DEAR KATHY AND FAMILY I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HALS DEATH..I WILL REMEMBER YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.. SINCERELY DIANNE BIDDELL THOMPSON

~ DIANNE THOMPSON

Hal and I met during retirement through our mutual love of seeing model sailplanes soaring in the heavens. We shared many a happy hour watching our aircraft circle in the sky with the birds, and chatting about the contentment that this experience brings. Our club will miss Hal greatly, and I know I will be thinking of Hal whenever those gentle currents keep my sailplane aloft. It has truly been a privilege to know Hal, even for just a few years; and to experience Kathy's hospitality when we would meet at 'prayer meetings' to discuss the latest project. Jean and I send our deepest condolences to Kathy and the rest of the Mountain family.

~ David & Jean Surry

Dear Kathy I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I remeber Hal as always having good advice when we were at school. Ialso remember the picture at the OH and am happy with my part in it. Hans

~ Hans And Nicole

Dear Kathy and Family, We just learned about Hal's death and we are sad for your great loss. Hal and I shared many common interests. While it has been some time since we were together, I never felt the separation created distance. Hal was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to have had his friendship. There are so many memories: memories of the many intense moments while we were both organizing TC's; and memories of sailing that I look back on with a smile. Did he ever tell you of the times I won our sailing races at Red Bay? ( I exaggerate, I won only twice). I have so many fond memories of chess playing with little conversation, just play. One night, deep into our chess matches, Hal hit upon the idea that we would read and talk about nothing written before the 16th century. What a calming experience this is. The chatter of everyday news, the shallow gossip of broadcasters, and the hype of commercialism all fall off. What is left is peace of mind. What a wonderful gift Hal gave me. Thank you for your friendship my dear friend Hal. Bob

~ Robert & Suzanne Brook

Hi, I used to be a friend of Anna's from down the street many years ago. My sincere condolences to the family. Bebe Rakowicz

~ Bebe (Krohn) Rakowicz

(Donated to W.O.T.C.H.)

~ Richard & Cris Bouillon

(Donated to W.O.T.C.H.)

~ Red Bay Sailing Club

(Donated to W.O.T.C.H.)

~ Michelle Braecker

(Donated to W.O.T.C.H.)

~ George and Jean Brook

(Donated to W.O.T.C.H.)

~ Stephanie Tsao-Kocher

Please accept my condolances to your family - Dr. Mountain's legacy will live on in the work being done in this community for people living with mental illness. He will be sadly missed.

~ Sabrina

Kathy, Pete & Jody, Nick & Kristina, Maria & Paul: Please accept our sincere sympathy. Hal was a great friend, good competitor, and lots of fun to sail with. We know he will be greatly missed. As others have said Red Bay won't seem the same without him. He always knew the weather forecast for the Saturday afternoon racing and we have many wonderful memories, thanks to his willingness and wit. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Archie & Glenda Kerr

Dear Kathy, I am writing as the president of the Harley Street group of Psychiatrists of which Hal was a founding memeber. We valued Hals practical wisdom,his sense of humour and his mentorship over many years. He made a significant contribution to our group. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to you and your family, Laurence Jerome

~ Laurence Jerome

Our deepest sympathy to you Kathy and all the family on the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ George and Jean Brook

Kathy, Pete, Maria and families, We were sorry and sad to hear this news. It is so hard to know what to say but you are in our thoughts now and always. Remembering Hal... We could write a story The greatest ever told Of a fellow sailor and loving friend Who had a heart of gold We could write a million pages And not be able to say, How much we will miss our pal Each and every day There are so many memories So many good times shared Red Bay will never be the same Without Hal being there. So let us make a toast To the friendship we have found A hearty laugh to heal our hearts And good memories all around. With much love, Bruce and Marg

~ Bruce and Marg

Dear Kathy and family: We are so shocked by the news of Hal's passing yesterday. We will be with you in spirit for the next few difficult days arranging all things neccessary in time like this. Wishing you much strength in the time coming. We will miss you walking by our place every morning when up at Red Bay. The sailing club just won't be the same without Hal's input and leadership. Much love, Pete and Corry

~ Peter and Corry

Peter, sorry to hear of the loss of your father, thinking about you and your family at this difficult time, Russ

~ Russ Manson

Kathy -- my memories of Hal go back to the 1950's. He and Bruce Squires will always be paired in my memory, Hal with his breathless enthusiasm and infectious good humour. Many years later he helped our family deal with depression, for which we were so grateful. He was a good doctor, in the full sense of that adjective. His life was important, and his passing so regrettable. Please know we are thinking of you and your family at this time. Ana and John

~ John Thompson

My deepest sympathy to Kathy and the whole family. I worked for Dr. Mountain for his last eight years in practise and learned true compassion and enjoyed his extraordinary witt. He was a remarkable man.

~ Joan Dellow

I was a patient of Dr. Mountain years ago when he retired, he helped me in so many ways, thank you Dr. Mountain for everything you did for me and many other patients. My condolences to your family. RIP. You were a wonderful man and an awesome doctor.

~ Jacqueline Pritchard

Kathy, Pete and Maria and families, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Mountain. I have many fond memories of get-togethers with you all. But I know now that my father has a classmate and friend to pal around with up there! My prayers and love are with you all. Fondly, Patti Squires (jr.)

~ Patti Squires

Kathy, Pete and Jody, Maria and Paul, Kristina and Nic. We are so very saddened by Hal's passing. He was such an enthusiastic leader of The RedBay Sailing Club for so many years. His invitation to participate in his model airplane flying a few times near RedBay was such fun for all the kids (big and little). He was always very calm except for those times on the sailing course when his competitive spirit ruled the day. His devotion to Kathy was so very touching. Please know our prayers are with you all. Tom, Lorraine, Alex and Abigail Huras

~ Tom Huras

With sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Dad (and Bumpa). Richard and Cris

~ Richard & Cris Bouillon

Maria, Paul and family, I am so sorry for your loss - please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts. Take care, Kelly

~ Kelly Mount-Trojan Technologies

Please accept my condolences for the Mountain family. Hal will be greatly missed by all of us at Red Bay. When I last spoke to Hal a few weeks ago I told him that it does not feel right without him at Red Bay. I first met Hal nearly 40 years ago when the Red Bay sailing club formed. Hals leadership and enthusiasm for racing helped the club to grow quickly and stay strong. I always enjoyed racing against Hal, first crewing for my father, then when we both sailed Lasers and finally Tasar vs SrMax. Hal was always a highly skilled and wily opponent, he had an uncanny knack of finding wind and the right tack. Hal was kind enough to make room for me in the wagon the summer I worked in London (1982) and needed transportation to Red Bay. I enjoyed many interesting conversations with Hal and the family, I also had fun playing chess on the trips with his travel chess board (I don't think I ever beat him!). My boys & I had fun model airplane flying with Hal at Red Bay. His skill in building gliders and airplanes was very impressive. He was also very kind to let us take turns flying his planes. I am very sad that Hal is no longer with us, Red Bay will never be the same without him. Jonathan, Laura, Daniel & Gregory Huras

~ Jonathan Huras

We are genuinely sorry to hear of Dr. Mountain’s passing. We were indebted to have Dr Mountain, as our founder, speak at our recent 40th Anniversary gathering. To the family, you are in our thoughts during this sad time of loss of your loved one.

~ Staff and Board of Western Ontario Therapeutic Community Hostel – WOTCH

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