Harland E. Page of Pavilion passed away on November 23, 2013 at the Highland Hospital in Rochester surrounded by his family. Harland was the second of five sons born to the late Edward and Mona (Hodges) Page. He was born in Perry, NY on April 14, 1923 into a family where farming and music were very important. Harland graduated from Perry High School and during WWII he was proud to work as a precision hand polisher, polishing gun lenses for Bausch and Lomb in Rochester. Following that he worked for GLF (Agway) on Batavia. But in 1948 he was able to begin his life’s work of farming, sharing in that with his wife of 37 years, Jean (Ager) Page. During those years they raised three children Elaine, Carol and Randy. The family farm in Pavilion was a place where family and friends gathered and cherished memories where created. In 1978 Harland retired from farming to care for Jean in her last year of life.
As he began to rebuild his life he was introduced to Mary (Herman) McIlroy and their friendship soon became a commitment to marriage that was a blessing for Harland. His family grew by welcoming Mary’s sons into the family. Mary and Harland celebrated 34 years together. They traveled and most especially Harland was able to return to playing music. For 23 years he played his Martin guitar with the Wyoming County Senior citizens band, and at various churches and nursing homes. With Mary’s help in coordinating their calendar, they were able to meet many special friends. Although Harland loved farming and gardening, he often bragged about his best “crop” when he referred to his family. When Harland wasn’t busy with family or farming he would find time to hunt pheasant and quail, attend meetings or activities at the Constelation Lodge #404 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Perry or attending church at Covington United Presbyterian Church. He is preceded in death by his first wife Jean Page who died in 1979, his parents Edward and Mona and brothers Keith, Red, and Gordon.
He is survived by his wife Mary (McIlroy) Page of Pavilion, 2 daughters: Elaine (James Volke) Page of N. Chili, Carol (Gary) Freeman of Pavilion, 1 son: Randy (Linda) Page of Batavia, 2 step-sons: James McIlroy of Pavilion, Joe (Patty) McIlroy of York, 1 brother: Richard (Jean) Page of Perry, 3 sister-in-laws: Della Page of LeRoy, Evelyn Page of Castile, and Anna Page of Perry, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to join Mary and family at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. in Perry on Tuesday November 26th from 4-9pm. A Celebration of Harland’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday November 27th at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Harland will be laid to rest in the Pavilion Cemetery in Pavilion.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Covington United Presbyterian Church music program or to the Pavilion United Methodist Church. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
