Henry James Passingham

Henry James Passingham was born in Portsmouth, England on February 24, 1923. The second of three children, born to James and Elizabeth Passingham. On the out outbreak of World War II, Harry at the age of 16 lied about his age and enlisted in the British Royal Air Force. After numerous missions over Germany, his age became known and he was discharged. Not settling for that, he then enlisted in the British Army. As a member of a highly decorated British regiment known as the west Kent Dorchester 21 Brigade, 8th India Division, Harry participated in the events we now know as the German siege of Alexandria. He occasionally would speak of the turmoil and the loss of fellow mates during their push through the Italian mountain ranges on the eight armies push to Messina. Marrying Thomasine Samuelson on May 14, 1948, Harry and Thomasine Tommy living in Portsmouth, England saw and enjoyed the birth of their first and second children, Anne and Martin. Harry at that time was a Merchant Marine working as a steward on Canard luxury liners known as the "R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth" and the "R.M.S. Queen Mary". A few years later the family immigrated to Newfoundland, Canada, the birth country of Tommy. Fifty years ago next week The Passingham family immigrated to the United States. In 1964, while Harry worked for Queens at their Almco Division, Harry and Tommy saw the birth of their third child, Sean. After Harry's retirement, he worked part time at the Albert Lea Salvation Army store. This job gave him immense satisfaction. Helping a person down on their luck or an immigrant in need was foremost to our father's personality. Dry witted with a peculiar sense of humor, the local Norwegians and Swedes of this region might have thought a bit strange but his gregarious out going personality would in most cases win them over. Survivors include his sons, Martin Passingham of Pennsylvania and Sean Stephanie Passingham of Albert Lea; son-in-law, Anthony Beatrice of New Jersey; grandchildren, Alex Passingham of Florida, Drew, Madi , and Kathryn Passingham of Albert Lea, and Dr. Brendon Lisa Beatrice, Jason Kris Beatrice, and Jared Lisa Beatrice of New Jersey; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Abbey Beatrice, Jimmy, Jake and Lauren Beatrice, Tobey and Logan Tyler all of New Jersey; and nephew, Brandon Passingham of Portsmouth, England. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Passingham; brother and sister, James Jimmy and Mary; his beloved daughter, Anne Passingham Beatrice and last but not least his bride, Thomasine Samuelson Passingham.