James Harvey Hassard

Harvey was born in Acton at home on Mill St. on May 20, 1917...the eldest of three boys…his brothers being John Martin (WW2) and Kenneth James (WW2). The 1921 Census shows Edward James and Margaret Harvey living on Knox Ave. and the 1931 Census shows the couple and their sons living on Mill St. The 1940 Voters Registration has Harvey living with his parents “in Acton, south of Mill St and east of Willow St”. At some point the family is known to have lived on the Church Street side of the property now known as 30 Eastern Ave., Acton.

Harvey served as a Flight Lieutenant with Squadron 2416 in Ottawa during WW2.

After his service he went into teaching at Ottawa High School then at Western University as a Professor at Althouse Teachers College.

Harvey was married to Patricia Baker for over 50 years and was father to Brian, Cheryl, Mary Patricia and Paula. Harvey died on July 7, 2010 and was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

Truly a Canadian Hero. His story lives on. *Information taken from the Royal Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book, Newspapers.com and personal interview with Ray Arbic