THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you ?

Have you always turned the other cheek ?

To My Church have you been true?’

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

‘No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I’ve been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn’t mine to keep…

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,

It needn’t be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don’t, I’ll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,

You’ve borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,

You’ve done your time in Hell.’

My pleasure and joy to serve for some years with Harry in the Alberta Legislature. Although we were on opposite sides he was always a gentleman and the more polite of us two.

A great man . Wish there were more like him in Alberta

Honouable Nick Taylor

Dear Norma, Stephen, Suzanne & Wayne, Alan & Vera and family,

We wish you love and light. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

With sincere sympathy,

Pat Goettler

Dear Suzanne and family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather. Wishing you peace and comfort as you gather with family and friends.

Mark and Donnalynn Grunewald and family.

When a loved one becomes a memory. A memory becomes a treasure. Treasure the memory of Harry. He gave so much to so many.

Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. We were in Arizona and just got home.

Our deepest sympathy,

Alice and Bud

Dear Norma, Suzanne and family,

I was so upset and sorry to see of Harry’s passing. What fun times it was so long ago with Miss Lumbers and her concerts. I have thought of you all so many times, but more so in the last few months. I am really sad I am unable to attend the service today and I will drop you a line as to my circumstances and I will be thinking of you all today.

Shirley Doncaster

We were so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. We especially remember Harry when we attended the Imperial Shrine Session in Dallas in 1999. I don’t think that we laughed so hard. Harry and Norma made this trip for us a very memorable one. We still talk about it. We know that Harry will be missed by all whose lives that he touched. We know that you as a family have so many memories of him. Those memories will always keep him close in your hearts.

We send our Love, Thoughts and Prayer to the Family and Friends.

Loves Greatest Gift is Remembrance.

Steve: We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our condolences to you and the entire Alger family. Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss.

Brad & Gail

Dearest Suzanne and family,

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. May you always carry the fond and warm memories of your father with you and speak his name often and in joy. And may his memory be everlasting. Love,

Louie and Kathy Marinakos and family

Norma & family:

Harry was always a cheerful, practical and fun-loving guy to have served with in the Leg. And he always added a good voice and exciting notions to a party! He has brightened many lives with cherished memories. Our sympathies and love go with you.

Les & Helen

Suzanne,

I would like to express my sincerest condolences on the recent passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, and may the love of family and friends comfort you.

Tina

Steve: We were sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. Sincere deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Sue & Kevin

He Did It His Way, all the way

our condolences to Norma and Family

Jessie and Jim.

Potentate Al Shamal 1989

To my friends and relatives – Suzanne, Stephan, Alan, your Mother Norma and all of your family. I’m truly sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, but I know that he was one individual who lived life to it’s fullest. I have great memories of visiting the ranch in the foothills of Okotoks and the hospitality that Harry and Norma provided me when I lived in nearby Calgary. Harry was a great man and obviously a great father and husband…what a great legacy to have.

Allan and I, as the last representatives of the Devon Chaytors, would like to extend our condolences to you Norma and the family, for the loss of a great man.

I have not seen Harry for a few years, but I have always thought that I have never known anyone quite like him. He always seemed to have a smile on his face, a cheerful disposition and time for everyone.

Best wishes to all the Algers in your time of loss and sorrow.

Gordon

Dear friends Norma, Suzanne, Stephen, Alan and each of your families,

We were so sad to hear of Harry’s passing. What a wonderful friend to so many – he touched all of our lives. I can remember the days when he would come over to mom and dad’s place in Calgary for rehearsals for the many skits and productions they would put on. And what a wonderful voice!

Harry, we will miss you but know you are in a better place now.

With our condolences and much love from the Kerkhoff and Niewinski families

Dear Norma and Family,

I am very sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I have many fond memories of the times that Rod and I, and our families, shared together. Our trip to Mexico was wonderful. I am sincerely sorry that I can’t be there to celebrate Harrys’ life with you. My condolences to the Alger family, and particulary, to you Norma.

Love to All,

Jessie

Norma & Family:

Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.

Grant & Patti Geldart

Devon, AB

Please accept our sincere condolences. I was a great admirer of Harry. When I joined the Shriners in 1976 Harry fezzed me and was kind enough to come to Edmonton and again fex me as Potentate in 2000. We are sorry we will be unable to make the service as we are in Arizona but our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keith and Dorothy Macdonald

Edmonton

Dearest Alger family

The tune of Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine are sounding in our ears as we write this. Harry was one of a kind! We have so many fond memories of all of you and us together in a milleau of places and situations. Harry was always the speaker and believer in all that was positive in whatever situation we were all in. We will miss him but have so many wonderful memories that he will always be with us. Condolences Norma. We know that you will miss him greatly. We are sorry that we will not be able to be with you to celebrate his life but know that our thoughts and voices will be with you when you begin the sing song. Love to all

Pat and Donna Adams ( in in Chaing Mai Tailand)

We are very sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. During his terms in the Alberta Legislature, he added a voice of reason and often of humour both of which were often in short supply. As a former colleague, Jim appreciated his service to Alberta and as a Shriner, his contribution to the greater good of society. Harry will be remembered by his family and a host of friends.

Best regards to all.

Betty & Jim Horsman

Our sincere condolences to all the Alger family. Harry was a good friend and a fellow Shriner. He will be missed. May your many fond memories help you through these difficult times.

Stan McKay & family

Kathyrn, alberta

Norma and Family,

It was with sadness that we read in the Journal about Harry. We very much enjoyed working with Harry during his two terms in the Leg Asseembly. He was one of my favourite MLA’s.

Great fun at a party. We really enjoyed him singing Old dogs, and Children, and Watermelon Wine.

Please accept our sincere sympathy.

Ernie and Sheila

Forever in our memory, leaving prints in our hearts.

My thoughts and prayers to Norma, Stephen, Suzanne(Wayne), Alan(Vera), all the grandchildren, relatives, many friends, Grace and all whose life and heart was touched by Harry.

Thank you to Harry and all for being a part of my life journey.

love and best regards

Jacine

The Alger family just lived a mile north of our farm near Prelate, Sask.

We went to school to-gether. His Mother taught me my first piano lessons.

When Harry had appointments in Edmonton, he often found time to visit me. The Alger family were so very gracious and open to ALL in our little home town.–May the family “keep climbing that Mountain.”

Dear Norma and Family.Our sincere condolences in your time of loss.We know your memories of a great guy will be of comfort to you.Sincerely Barry and Jean McDonald

Norma and Family

I knew Harry when Widney Well Services were a part of Lane Wells/Dresser Industries. When Harry visited our offics in Edmonton it was a brighter day.

Jess Morrill