In Memory of Harvey Austin Nuelle
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Harvey Austin Nuelle announce his passing on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the age of 91 years – although, Harvey would clarify to say he is in his 92nd year! Harvey passed on the same date (November 14) four years after his loving wife, Barbara Nuelle (Nee: Roberts). He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Cynthia, Angela (Jeff); grandson Sam and grandpup Teddy. He will be dearly missed by extended family and friends. Harvey was predeceased by his parents, Auguste and Iris; sibling Louise; and grandson Joshua.
Harvey was born in Bombay, India from where he moved to London, England and then Toronto, Ontario to meet his future wife Barbara while working for Bell Canada. Following retirement from Bell Canada, Harvey volunteered for many organizations, including Elizabeth Bruyere Continuing Care Help Line, Prostate Cancer Survivor Network (PCSN), and the Gloucester Garden Association. He supported numerous individuals and created lasting friendships while installing response phone systems and mentoring with the PCSN. In 2017, Harvey received the Governor General Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, in recognition of his contributions. An avid problem solver, Harvey was always willing to diagnose and fix an appliance, electronic device or car issue. He had all spare parts available somewhere – and was always happiest when helping others. As “dad”, he was the best, always there, loving and all knowing ;)!! He will be dearly missed – and, may he and Barbara now be ballroom dancing on the clouds to their favourite, Elvis’ Hawaiian Wedding Song.
Please join us for a Celebration of the Lives of both Harvey and Barbara on Sunday, December 8th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Complex,1250 Trim Road Orléans, Ontario.
I have known Harvey and Barb for many years and know every word of this obituary to be so true. Harvey and my husband (Iain) together at Bell and were involved in many projects together. Both Iain and I also volunteered with him at Elizabeth Bruyere. We visited many times with him and Barb in their home and at the cottage (where he and Iain enjoyed many an hour fishing while Barb and I chatted and prepared meals (often fish they caught). Some very happy times and I shall miss him. In between dancing with Barb, he and Iain are somewhere up there fishing.
Harvey was a generous person.I appreciated his service while he was volunteer at Helpline at Elizabeth Bruyère
Francine Boutet
On behalf of all Harvey’s friends and colleagues at Prostate Cancer Support Ottawa (PCSO) we wanted to extend our deepest sympathies to Harvey’s family. The following message was shared with the PCSO membership, and we have also informed them of the Celebration of Life on December 8th:
“It is with profound sadness and a sense of loss that we’re informing the PCSO membership of the passing of our good friend Harvey Nuelle.
Harvey had a long and prolific association with PCSO, going back to the days when it was ‘Prostate Cancer Association Ottawa’. Harvey served as a board member for a number of years but will perhaps be best remembered for his dedication to support and mentoring activities. For many years Harvey was the first person many of us spoke with after contacting the group, either through email or phone call or at their first visit to one of our meetings. Harvey diligently monitored the email in-box and the voicemail and provided near instantaneous follow-up. Speaking from my own experience, I first contacted the group through the website around noon one day not long after being diagnosed 12 years ago and heard back from Harvey within a few hours. That first conversation helped immensely in helping me to begin to accept and understand my disease, an experience I’m sure many of you also had with Harvey.
Harvey’s dedication to helping and supporting others wasn’t limited to prostate cancer; in his previous life Harvey worked for Bell Canada which had a program where former employees could apply for a charitable grant by accumulating a specific number of volunteer hours during the year. Harvey would tirelessly work to amass those hours which resulted in his not only receiving the grant but donating the entire amount each year to help our prostate cancer group. Among his many activities over the years, Harvey volunteered with the Bruyère Continuing Care Helpline, an outreach service that promotes independent living for vulnerable individuals living alone in rural areas. In 2018 his efforts were acknowledged by the TD Bank with a donation for $5000.00 to the Elizabeth Bruyère Foundation in appreciation of his outstanding community volunteerism. Never one to seek recognition for his efforts, it’s also worth noting that in April of 2017 he was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, wife of then Governor General of Canada David Johnston.
Often described as a ‘warrior’ Harvey was a great mentor to many of us prostate cancer survivors and was always available to talk us through difficult times. He enjoyed giving presentations to community groups on prostate cancer and encouraging others to share their knowledge and experience.
Despite his many health issues over the years (heart issues, leg tumour, prostate cancer, and macular degeneration) Harvey stoically battled each one and was a fighter until the end, always keeping a positive outlook. Harvey’s wife of 61 years, Barbara, passed away in November of 2020. In my last phone call with Harvey in early September he seemed in relatively good spirits, but talked about how lonely he had become since losing her and I got the impression he was looking forward to a time when he could be with her again. While I will miss Harvey, with his ever present smile, his humour and generosity and his understated and dignified manner, I’m happy for him that he’s found peace.”
Chuck Graham
on behalf of PCSO
We first met Harvey decades ago at Bell Canada International. He was, without question, the original Energizer Bunny. No one accomplished more than Harvey. We all thoroughly enjoyed working on projects with him. It was a sad day when we learned that Harvey had cancer. In his own special way he taught all of us how to deal positively with whatever life throws at you. Harvey Nuelle was one of a kind. We are all better people for having known him.
Alan and Sherrill Calder
I’ve known Harvey on the day I opened the pharmacy in Blackburn , he was one of the first few patients, he supported me all the way and always gave me advice to make my business thrive for the better . Harvey was indeed an honest , caring , and supportive to his community, he will be missed by many , my deepest sympathy to his daughters , may his memories be eternal may he rest in peace
My sincère condoleances to his family
À volunteer at Santé Bruyère
From my first meeting with Harvey I knew that he would be a special volunteer for Elisabeth Bruyere Helpline.
He brought great insight and compassion as he worked with our clients. Many , many times he said to me “Evelyn this client needs more help. “. This statement could have referred to financial assistance or more help in the home. He was programmed to be of help wherever he went. He always gave more than was asked of him. In our office he buoyed up the staff for countless years , with his humour and gifts of chocolate.
It breaks my heart that we have lost such a caring advocate and gentleman for all.
Dear Cindy and Angela, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your parents that I will always cherish. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
I have met Harvey at the Prostate Cancer Support Group. Harvey was a very generous and caring. person. He always took time to talk to men diagnosed with prostate cancer , encouraged them and give them guidance. I want to offer my deepest sympathies to his family in this time of sorrow. He will be sorely missed .
Condolences to Cindy, Angie, and Sam. I am sorry I cannot be there for Harvey and Barbara’s celebration.
I have such beautiful memories of all our visits with you. My favorite vacations of all time were the fishing trips to your cabin on Charleston Lake.
What a wonderful location to visit with you and take Harvey fishing. It was a sad day when Harvey finally had to sell the cabin; however, the memories will be cherished forever.
I always enjoyed the frequent phone conversations with Harvey over the past few years. We shared memories, family updates, and our old-age struggles (but in a positive way), and our dog stories. I will miss him dearly. And I know he loved Barbara so much and missed her tremendously.
May God Bless You All,
Bob Clark
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Harvey was the most wonderful, kindest and caring man. He would often come and spend a few moments with me at Bruyere Helpline when I was working evenings and bring me samples of his favourite Indian foods. We were never out of chocolate either as he was always bringing bags in from his trips to the Hershey factory in Smiths Falls. Harvey, you will be dearly missed by so many. Rest in peace with your beloved Barb.