Harold Thomas Vinyard, age 63, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Eve by his side after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Pleasant View in Ottawa, Illinois. Born on October 4, 1960, in Carrollton, Illinois, he was the son of the late Thomas E. Vinyard and Viola Loretta (Robinson) Vinyard. Harold married the love of his life, Eve, on May 31, 1985.
After earning his degree in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University, Harold began his career working at the LaSalle County Nuclear Power Plant, and ultimately retired as Plant Manager in 2018 after 34 years. Harold was one of those rare individuals who truly loved his job. Although he found genuine enjoyment in the work that he did, his dedication to LaSalle Station was driven by his deep appreciation for all of the wonderful people who worked there with him.
While Harold held plenty of different titles throughout his successful career, his favorite title of all was “Papa H” to his adoring grandchildren. He was always at his happiest when spending time with his family, especially while they were all together on Marco Island. Harold was loved profoundly by his family, and he will always be remembered for the exceptional husband, father, and grandfather that he was.
Harold is survived by his loving wife, Eve M. Vinyard (Kapelinski), his two daughters, Emily (Christopher) Imber of St. Charles and Olivia (Patrick) Kniery of Normal; his five grandchildren, Shane, Vivian, and Elena of St. Charles, Evelyn and Grady of Normal; and one sister, Kelli (Mark) Camerer of Carrollton. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Richard Kapelinski, mother-in-law, Sheila Kapelinski, brother-in-law, Paul Kapelinski, and sister-in-law, Molly Kapelinski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. Vinyard and Viola Loretta (Robinson) Vinyard.
His family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful staff at Pleasant View for their kindness, compassion, and support.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Mueller Funeral Home, 800 1st Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Columba Catholic Church, 122 W. Washington St, Ottawa, IL 61350, at 10:30am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions in Harold’s memory consider donating to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to assist in making advancements in research, and support ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts for this devastating disease. https://curecca.link/HaroldVinyard
Harold was laid to rest in the Garden of The Last Supper, at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL.