Harvey Galarneau passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, at the age of 92.
Born on August 4, 1933, in Maniwaki, Quebec, Harvey was the son of Adélard Fénelon Galarneau and Victoria Guénette. He built a life grounded in family, commitment, and quiet strength.
At the age of 23, Harvey proudly served in the Canadian Military as a paratrooper with the Royal Canadian Regiment from 1956 to 1959. His time in service reflected the courage, discipline, and independence that would remain with him throughout his life.
On August 22, 1959, Harvey married the love of his life, Elaine Marianna Bouchard, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Together, they shared a lifetime of partnership, devotion, and unwavering support.
Harvey was a proud and devoted father to his daughter, Sue Lachapelle (Aurel), and his son, Bob Galarneau (Shannon). Sue brought connection and social joy into their lives, where Harvey and Elaine spent cherished time with family at their home on Kenogami Lake. In Bob, he saw kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength—values that reflected his own.
He was a cherished grandfather to Joshua (Kayla), Amanda (Andrew), Jessica, Maxwell (Kayley), Darian, and Cassandra (Corey), and a proud great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward a piece of his story.
He was predeceased by his parents, Adélard and Victoria, and his brothers, René, Rodolphe Galarneau and Roy Galarneau.
Following his military service, Harvey worked at Teck Hughes Mine. He later became one of the last of the original employees of the Adams Mine, a role he carried with pride and dedication. It was there that he formed many of his closest and lifelong friendships. His colleagues often teased him with the saying, “Can’t be done, Harv!”—a reflection of both their camaraderie and his determination to find a way.
He had a deep love for sports—especially hockey—and was a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens. He was also a dedicated baseball coach for Bob in his younger years, and together with Elaine, they were his biggest supporters—faithfully following Bob’s hockey and athletic pursuits with pride and encouragement.
He loved fishing and hunting, puttering around, and was always fixing things—finding quiet satisfaction in keeping everything running just right. In later years, Harvey and Elaine enjoyed spending their winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, where they made many new and lasting friendships.
Harvey lived a long and meaningful life marked by resilience, independence, and quiet determination. He was a man who did things his way—steady, proud, and true to himself. His presence brought strength and stability to those around him, and his legacy is reflected in the family he raised and the values he lived by.
In his final days, Harvey showed the same strength that defined his life. Though his body grew tired, his spirit remained his own—strong, proud, and unshaken.
And now, he is free.
Like birds soaring through an open sky, Harvey has found his peace—released from pain, carried gently into rest. A life lived fully, and on his own terms.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional and compassionate care provided by the doctors, nurses, and 4th-floor staff at Blanche River Health, Kirkland Lake site, as well as the dedicated PSWs from Closing the Gap who supported Harvey with care and kindness over the years while he was at home.
In keeping with Harvey’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be held at a later date.
Donations in memory of Harvey may be made to Blanche River Health – Kirkland Lake site or the Canadian Cancer Society.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Elaine, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and by all who knew and loved him.
His legacy will live on—quietly, steadily, and forever—through the family he built, the love he gave, and the life he lived… his way.
Sympathy Messages
Our Condolences to Elaine ,Sue ,Bob & there Family’s
Uncle Harvey always enjoyed talking to us on his walks, and the grocery stores
He will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts
🙏🩷XO
- Schuessler Family, on
April 2, 2026
Sue & Aurel, Bob & Shannon. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. What beautiful words spoken here, memorializing him. Keep your memories close. Kathleen
- Kathleen Dudgeon , on
April 2, 2026
Our sincere condolences to all of the family! What a beautiful tribute to Mr Galarneau May your cherished memories bring you peace and happiness!
Hugs!!
- Brenda and Gaston, on
April 2, 2026
I’m truly sorry for your family’s loss. I enjoyed talking with him each time I seen him and his beautiful wife out walking with a tan 💔he will be missed
- Patti Jones, on
April 2, 2026
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family as you navigate this difficult time. Harvey was a lovely kind man and there are a never ending beautiful lifetime of memories and stories to share. Live to everyone.
- Liz, on
April 2, 2026
Mrs.Galarneau Sue Aurele Bob Shannon and families,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your dad. He would be very proud of all of you.
Cindy and Jim
- Cindy MacKinnon, on
April 3, 2026
Deepest condolences Elaine, Sue,Bob and family! ♥️ Harvey was a great man, he'll be greatly missed. 💔 May he rest in peace. 🙏🩵🕊
- Louise Roy and family 🙏❤️, on
April 3, 2026
To the entire Galarneau family, our deepest condolences to you all!
A beautiful tribute to a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather!
God bless and may he rest in peace!
- David and Lise Fabello, on
April 3, 2026
Our Deepest Sympathies to Elaine and family. Such a beautiful tribute xox May you cherish all his memories xo. “Those we hold close to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought in our lives” He will remain in your hearts forever xo
- Lise and Wally, on
April 3, 2026
Deepest condolences to the family, Harvey was a lovely man and will be greatly missed by many. It was truly a great pleasure getting to know him.
- Charlene Richard, on
April 3, 2026
To the Galarneau Family I was very surprised to see that your husband & dad has passed away. He was always a very happy guy very friendly when you saw him and his wife walking out for fresh air & exercise and I always stopped to say hi to them. I know that he will be missed by many. May he rest in peace now.
May my support warm your heart
- Nicole Moreau, on
April 4, 2026
As neighbors and Friends for many years, I will miss our many talks and smiles we had together. the pain is gone now rand you are at Peace. Condolences to the Garlarneau family and to all who knew and loved Harv. he will be missed. HUGS
May my support warm your heart
- Rick & Judy (Cale) Gervais, on
April 4, 2026
Chère Mme Galarneau, Sue and Aurel, Bob and Shannon, and families,
So sorry to hear of your loss. There was always a warm and welcoming smile when stopping to chat. Many thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
Paul and Dolores
- Paul and Dolores Lynch, on
April 4, 2026
To the Galarneau Family,
So sad to hear of Harvey’s passing. Loved visiting and chatting with him in Panama Beach when we visited. Condolences to Elaine, Sue, Bob and family. He will remain in your heart forever ❤️. Ray and Jan Viskovich
- Ray & Jan Viskovich, on
April 4, 2026
Only had the opportunity to meet Harvey while he was in hospital. He was so very proud of his family and shared how lucky he was to have married such a wonderful wife. My condolences to his wife and family.
May my support warm your heart
- Kathy Kong, on
April 4, 2026
Dave and I are very sorry to hear of your loss!
May my support warm your heart
- Christiane Daoust and Dave Ferguson, on
April 5, 2026
Deepest condolences to the Galarneau family. Thoughts and prayers with you all...
- Helene and Don Studholme, on
April 6, 2026
My deepest sympathy to the Galarneau family. I remember the Galarneau family years back when they lived on Wood street and I was a little girl then and Sue ans Bob were young toddlers also. Moved away to beautiful BC but when I visited in KL always remember Mrs & Mrs Galarneau walking together on their leisure walks. Rest In Peace!
- M & J, on
April 6, 2026
Elaine, Sue, Bob and families
We join with you in sorrow at this sad time. Always greeting with a smile he was one of the nicest man we had the honour of knowing and his passing will leave a void in all who knew him. May his memory remain in your hearts and help you get through this sad time. He is at peace now.
- Ernie and Marianne Cloutier, on
April 8, 2026
Deepest condolences to the Galarneau family.
- Bruce Morgan, on
April 9, 2026
Bob,Shannon,Sue,Aurel & family.
Sending our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your father! Thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
May my support warm your heart
- Louise & Mike Leclerc , on
April 10, 2026
You will be missed, always had a friendly smile and kinds words. Will miss you on your walks. So sorry to hear of your passing we wish condolences to the entire family..
- Mike and Nancy Aldred, on
April 13, 2026
So many great memories of Harvey, playing cards, vacation trips. Miss him deeply. Condolences to The Galarneau family.
- Annette Wadge, on
May 19, 2026
