Obituary of Michael Ward Harris

1935 - 2013

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Harris announces his passing with his family at his side following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Michael left us on Friday, October 25, 2013.

Michael was born in Croydon, England on May 7, 1935 to Alfred William Harris and Lilian Vera Harris.

He received his early education at Whitgift Public School in London and completed two years of service in the Royal Air Force as a radar operator. During the summers and on weekends he worked as a junior clerk with his father at Fortnum and Mason's Piccadilly Circus in London, UK.

After obtaining employment with a finance company in London, he began planning to immigrate to Canada. In 1957 with a letter of recommendation in his hand from his former employer, he obtained employment in Toronto, Ontario. Very soon thereafter he was transferred to Vancouver and spent the rest of his time working with various finance companies in Vancouver, the West and East Kootenays and Kamloops. He opened the branch of the Bank Of Montreal in 1972 in Invermere and later returned to Cranbrook as the Manager of the Bank Of Montreal until his retirement in 1990.

Michael was a very talented and gifted man. He spent endless hours at his workbench creating toys, miniature houses, RC aircraft and also spent many hours gardening with his wife Dolores. Mike and Dolores loved to travel. They took 13 trips to the UK and Europe, many trips to Hawaii, the western United Sates and various parts of Canada. Michael loved all sports particularly cricket, hockey, soccer and golf.

He was a past president, Paul Harris Fellow and member of the Rotary Club for close to 47 years.

Left to cherish Michael's memory are his wife of 52 years Dolores; his two sons Steve (Brenda) Harris of Cranbrook and Bill Harris (Ghaile Pocock) of Calgary, Alberta; his grandson Owen Harris of Cranbrook, and granddaughter Julia (Corey) Halford of Airdrie, Alberta; great granddaughter Brooke Halford of Airdrie, Alberta; in England his brother John (Rhona) Harris and sister Judy Cowgill and nephew David (Jen) Harris; his sister-in-law Donna Kennelly of Cranbrook and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. Michael was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Lilian Harris and his step-mother Mary Harris.

A Celebration Of Michael's Life will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Christ Church Anglican (46 - 13 Avenue South) in Cranbrook with Rev. Yme Woensdregt officiating. A reception will follow the service.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com