Harzan H.G. "Herb" LCol OMM CD2
Born: 25 October 1942
Died: 01 August 2009
In loving memory, born in Schirmdorf, Austria on October 25, 1942, Herbert distinguished himself as a friend, military pilot, mountaineer, and soccer referee. Above all, he was a loving husband to Diane; step-son to Margaret; Dad/Vati to Scott (Lisa), Kimberly Autumn (Bryan), and Christy; "the Colonel " to Suzanne; and devoted Opa to Devon, Mary and Sebastian.
Herbert leaves a legacy of living life to the fullest, his years brimming with stories of adventure, courage and love. He fought a valiant battle against cancer and smiled with us to the end. He passed away peacefully at home in Victoria on August 1, 2009.
A Naval Officer through and through, Herbert joined the Navy under the Venture Officer Training Plan in 1961. His formal education also included graduating from the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College. Herbert had many wonderful adventures at numerous posts around the world, including: serving in the helicopter fleets of Canada's Maritime Forces; serving onboard the aircraft carrier Bonaventure; leading helicopter detachments on destroyers; and venturing to the US Navy on exchange tour to instruct the USN in shipboard helicopter landings, manage the fleet of CIA helicopters in the Philippines and serve as detachment commander aboard the USS Cook for the evacuation of Vietnam. His exciting career also included many staff appointments at National Defence Headquarters; leading HT406 SeaKing Squadron as Commanding Officer at CFB Shearwater; serving as the Senior Air Officer at Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters and proceeding to SHAPE, Belgium during the Gulf War. His career culminated at NATO Headquarters where, among many accomplishments, he co-founded the international security programme Partnership for Peace.
For his distinguished service, Herbert was awarded many commendations and honours, including the Order of Military Merit and the Gold Medal of Merit of the Republic of Austria.
In 1997, Herbert and his family retired to Victoria.
Our family invites you to celebrate Herbert's amazing life on Tuesday August 18, 2009 at 1830 (6:30 pm) at the Gun Room at the Naval Officer's Training Centre, Workpoint, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations under his name to: Victoria Hospice 3rd floor Richmond Pavilion, Royal Jubilee Hospital 1952 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8.
We love you Herbert/Dad/Opa...and we miss you. Forever.
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