Robert Harrison

HARRISON, Robert Peter P.Eng, F.C.S.C.E (June 2, 1925-May 9, 2020) It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Peter Harrison announce his passing away on May 9th. Born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, son of the late John Leadley and L. Dorothy Littler Harrison. He is survived by his beloved and best friend Elaine Patricia (nee Otto), and sons John (Karen), Ottawa, Peter, Charlottetown, Ed (Darlene), Charlottetown, and daughter Beverley (Nigel) Harrison-Steward, Montreal; grandsons, Christopher (Samantha) and Trevor(Keisha) Harrison, Ottawa, Geoff (Keri) Harrison Halifax; grand-daughters Sarah(Juffah) Tamula, Charlottetown and Chloe Harrison-Steward, London; and his G. Grand-children, Roslyn and Chikondi Tamula, and Avlynn, Ronan, and Meleah Harrison. Pete was educated in the Dartmouth school system, and on completing high school attended Acadia University graduating in 1948 with an Engineering certificate and a Bsc., (Math and Physics). He then went to Nova Scotia Technical College receiving a B.E. (Civil Engineering) in 1948, followed by graduate studies at MIT in 1949-50. He was employed with the Federal Government of Public Works, Harbors & Rivers Branch from 1948 to 1957. Beginning in 1957 he was employed in Ottawa at various positions: Public Works, Harbors & Rivers Branch; Chief Engineer, Atlantic Development Board; Director of Technical Services Branch, Dept. of Regional Economic Expansion; and Director of Marine Directorate, design and construction, Public Works. In 1983, pre-retirement, returned to Halifax, to direct special recovery capital projects. While in Ottawa, he served as Federal Program administrator of the Winter Project Fund (1972-1975); Chairman of the Goose Bay Development Project and was a Federal representative on several national engineering organizations and committees. In 1984 he was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Engineering Society (FCSE) and in 2005 was granted a Life membership in the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia. He was pre-deceased by his parents and siblings Dorothy (Jack) Allen, John Edward, James L. (Catherine) and Paul (Pauline). With his wife Elaine, and sons Ed and Peter at his bedside, he passed away peacefully at Andrews of Stratford on May 9th. Married to Elaine for over 70 years, he showed an unwavering love that touched his entire family. He will be missed as a father, grandfather and great grandfather, and as a mentor and role model by all of his extended family, to whom he was always attentive, warm and devoted. A word of thanks to the health care workers, and nurses at Andrews of Stratford PEI who were attentive to his needs and dedicated in providing him with the necessary assistance latter years. Through it all and at the end of his life, Elaine and Pete remained together.