NOTE: The funeral will be live-streamed on the Rooney Funeral Home Facebook page, beginning at 11am.
Herbert Harry Pridham, of Montrose, PEI, passed peacefully from his earthly home, to his eternal home, on December 4, 2024. Surrounded by love and tender care from his wife and children, he drew his final breath in the place he cherished—his home of 73 years. Born on November 27, 1930, to Harry and Christina (nee Marshall) Pridham, Herbie’s life was a tapestry of hard work, devotion, and love.
He first married Marion Vera Ashley in 1951, a partnership that brought four children into the world: Darlene (Donnie) Horne of Cascumpec, Paul (Marcia) of Montrose, Philip (Sherri) of Huntley, and Mark (Kelly) of Huntley. Herbie and Marion built a life together rooted in faith and family until her untimely passing in 1974.
In the face of loss, Herbie turned to prayer and found strength to embrace a new chapter. That chapter began with June Rayner, whom he married in November 1975. What began with a simple Sunday drive blossomed into a lifelong love story, spanning 49 years. June became his steadfast partner in every sense—his rock, his light, and his home. Together, they built a life of shared values and tireless dedication, nurturing not only Herbie's young family, but also their daughter, Michelle (Andrew) Pridham-MacNeill, of Stratford, PE.
June’s care and commitment extended far beyond raising Herbie’s children. She stood by his side in every endeavor, from farming, to preserving the harvest, embodying Herbie’s spirit of generosity and hard work. As his health declined, June carried on their shared legacy with grace and determination, tending to their home and grounds that were the heart of their life together.
After working as a mechanic for the Irvings in Saint John, NB, Herbie returned to Montrose to help his father on the family farm. While stepping into this role, he took on other jobs, including trucking, and operating snowplows, displaying his resourcefulness and versatility. These experiences deepened his mechanical expertise and prepared him for the challenges of farming. In 1966, Herbie took over the farm full-time, gradually building it into a thriving operation. His time as a trucker and snowplow operator taught him critical problem-solving skills, discipline, and a hands-on approach that proved invaluable as he modernized the farm and passed it on to his sons.
Herbie was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren: Darla (Paul) Khawaja, of Oakville, ON; Donna (Blair) English, of Stratford, PE; Dottie (Jamieson) Yeates, of Oakville, ON; Deanna (Ricardo) Horne-Varela, of Edmonton, AB; Martina (Jason) Biech, of Winsloe, PE; Brittany (Kris) George, of Detroit, MI; Colby (Megan), of Halifax, NS; Lance (Meredith), of Toronto, ON; Sean (Emily), of Elmsdale, PE; Hayden (Mark), of Poole's Corner, PE; Shania (Thomas), of Moncton, NB; Sabrina (Nick), of Northam, PE; Sullivan, Gavin, Thea, and Kinsley of Stratford, PE. Herbie’s love extended to his great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy: Matteo, Zoe, Mason, Hudson, Brayden, Charlie, Lucas, Penny, Caden, Warren, Sutton, Harry, Maddie, and Jack.
Left to celebrate his memory are his sister Shirley (Blair) Barbour of Alberton; sisters-in-law Esther Hardy of Tignish, Vaunda Richard of Alberton, Bessie Pridham of Montrose, and Andreen Pridham of Lunenburg, NS; his many nieces and nephews; and his cherished pets, Tia and Blackie, who rarely left his side. Also sadly missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor and Ivan, of Nanaimo, BC, Eleanor MacNeill, of Winsloe, Ann Gorday, of Sudsbury, ON, Doug (Hollie), Leonard (Claudia), and Blair (Aldona) Rayner, and Betty Rayner, all of Greenmount, Geraldine (Billy) Eldershaw, of Kildare, and Joan (Jeff) MacKay, of Freeland.
Herbie is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Marion, and his siblings, Frank (in infancy), Ernest (Rosie), Alfred (Fern), Alder, Helen (Hadley Burns), and Ina (Murray Gulliver). He now joins them in heaven, along with Kaylie Alyssa, the cherished newborn daughter of Philip and Sherri. Also predeceased by his in-laws: Alvin and Vera Ashley, and Alvin and Francis Rayner, his brothers-in-law, David MacNeill, Bob Gorday, and Eddie Rayner.
Herbie’s life was marked by a deep love for farming, faith, and community. He served on provincial agriculture boards, worked with the Vet College to improve livestock health, and led youth programs in his church for decades. Many who sat in his Sunday school classes or youth groups remember his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering belief in their potential. A man of strong Christian faith, Herbie always turned to God for strength, peace, and hope. Throughout his life, his faith was a guiding light, shaping his actions and values in all that he did.
Herbie found joy in feeding birds outside his window and caring for his pets. His life was a testament to the idea that love and care—whether for family, community, or the land—can leave a lasting legacy.
Herbie’s family invites you to celebrate his remarkable life, one that touched so many and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Resting at the Rooney Funeral Home and Chapel, Alberton, PEI. Visiting hours Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral Monday morning from the E. Gerald Rooney Memorial Chapel for funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Garth MacKay and Rev. Gordon Weatherby officiating. A private family interment service to be held in the Elmsdale Church of the Nazarene Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy memorials to the West Prince Caring Cupboard or to the PEI Humane Society would be gratefully appreciated.