Harold Russell Shimp

Harold Hal Shimp, age 91, Delaware, Ohio passed away on February 13, 2011 after a valiant battle with bladder cancer. He lived a long and happy life.

Hal was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 16, 1919. He often claimed to be the "oldest Shimp that ever lived" as he was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Laura Shimp, his siblings Edward and Bob, and the love of his life, Olive, to whom he was married for 53 years.

Hal was a proud WWII veteran, having served in the Air Force, primarily in England and Scotland doing secret work due to his ability to speak German. Hal provided well for his family, having a productive career full of interesting adventures and finally retired in 1980 as an executive at Chrysler.

Hal was a kind, generous man who cared deeply for his family, his friends and neighbors and his country. He was a man who made friends with everyone he met including sales people, handymen and delivery personnel, doctors, nurses, health aides, and friends of friends.

Upon the death of his loving wife, Olive, Hal lived with his only child, Brad Shimp and his daughter-in-law, Cathy Bregar. He credited his longevity to a daily regimen of good spirits, good food, a beautiful home, good family and friends, laughter and good luck.

In addition to being survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Hal was fortunate to have spent the final years of his life with his family Dorothy Matz, Marcia/Bill Storms, Janice Rinehart, Corrine Shimp, David Shimp, Mark/Mary Shimp, Chris Shimp, Cathy's family Barbara, Bob, Rob, Terri, Mark, Nancy, Laura, Kim, Tom, and Mr. Manley the independent but ever present and loyal cat who adopted Hal, Brad and Cathy and kept Hal warm at night.

Hal's spirit will live on in our memories and our hearts. If you wish to contribute to Hal's legacy, you may make a donation in his name to the Ann Sherry Foundation, 2587 Sawbury Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235. The Foundation, created in memory of Hal's dear friend Bill's mother, is a nonprofit charitable organization 501c3 focused on providing funds for innovative approaches to public education, promoting world peace by contributing to a better understanding among America and its world neighbors, and addressing community social problems, where the Foundation seeks to use grants to improve the welfare of the citizens of Ohio.

A celebration of Hal's life will be held in the near future. Email [email protected] for details.

www.EdwardsFuneralService.com