Bob here with a story written last year about the Sales Savvy Family Man who we lost on July 15, 2026, and today, September 14th, is his birthday.
Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a ride through the life of a true gem: the one and only Sales Savvy Family Man, Harry!
Picture a bright yellow rubber duck with a beak for storytelling, floating alongside a sprightly 91-year-old dynamo.
Harry, the ultimate family man and sales wizard!
His life has been a delightfully winding ride!
Harry, with his charming personality and sparkling blue eyes, had an enthusiasm for life that could light up a whole farm!
Born in 1933, he spent his childhood frolicking in the sunny fields of his family farm, likely making mischief with the chickens as he planted seeds and herded them like a little farm general!
“You reap what you sow!” he always said, and this motto has been his trusty compass through every twist and turn of life.
Fast forward to Harry’s early twenties when he met Kristine, the love of his life!
Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and two fantastic kids.
Harry wasn’t just a dad; he was the ultimate life coach!
Chores? They turned into epic adventures!
You could hear spontaneous karaoke while pulling weeds, with Harry swinging advice and humour like a pro!
But wait, there’s a plot twist! After more than two decades of farming, Harry discovered the challenging world f corporate real estate.
One day, a friend said, “Hey, Harry, why not try selling?”
Imagine Harry’s eyebrows shooting up, as he declared, “sounds like a plan.”
Excited and a tad bewildered, he dove headfirst into sales, quickly snagging the title of “Go-To Guy”.
He fostered relationships across Manitoba faster than I could paddle across a bathtub!
His success led him to the head of the pack in Manitoba so the next step would be a move to Ontario.
But forever the family man, he turned down the offer and kept his family close to his roots.
Harry transitioned his focus to selling crop insurance, a move that demonstrated his profound understanding of the evolving needs of his fellow farmers.
He recognized that with unpredictable weather and tough seasons, insurance could be a farmer’s best friend.
It was like finding the ultimate flotation device for everyone in the agricultural family, a testament to Harry’s commitment to his community.
One of Harry’s proudest moments came when he was challenged to double the contracts in his crop insurance territory.
He hit the ground running, attending farm events, sharing stories, and lending a listening ear.
With every handshake, he built more than just a territory; he built trust and friendships.
By the end of it all, he didn’t just meet his goals; he crushed them!
He expanded his insurance contracts to an incredible 98% of the farmlands in his territory, a testament to his dedication and hard work.
But Harry wasn’t done yet; oh no! He set his sights on 100%.
There was one family that believed their faith was enough to protect their farm, so they did not need insurance.
As a man of faith, Harry respected their choice.
However, one night, while watching the news, he saw this family sandbagging their house to protect it from the flood of the century in Manitoba.
Without a second thought, Harry donned his work clothes and headed out to help.
As he stood shoulder to shoulder with the family’s mother, he asked why she was working so hard on the sandbags.
When she responded to save her farm, Harry grinned and said I thought your faith was enough to protect the farm.
The lady instructed him to draft the insurance policy for their crops.
Boom! 100% insured territory achieved!
His perseverance, hard work, and knack for crafting the perfect pitch enabled him to reach his lofty goal, which is truly an inspiration.
Harry lived independently in his Winnipeg home until his 91st birthday, when he transitioned to an assisted living environment.
Harry quickly added new friends to his list as he adjusted to life in a senior living center.
His persuasive tendencies ensured he had breakfast served at noon, even though breakfast service stopped at 10:30 am.
The delightful staff affectionately started calling him Happy Harry, as they bent the rules just a little letting Harry have his way.
There he would be maneuvering his scooter expertly through the dining area, with his eyes twinkling with glee for being a rule breaker!
Harry’s apartment was adorned with family photos, trophies of a life well-lived.
His siblings, kids and grandkids gather around, eagerly soaking up his tales from his days on the farm to his wild adventures in sales.
With every story he shared, he spread the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the joy of hard work.
Harry was not just a man; he was an inspiration!
Harry’s life is a testament to the fact that life is not measured by the treasures we accumulate but by the hearts we touch along the way.
THANK YOU, HARRY, FOR AN INSPIRED
