Obituary of WILLIAM JOHN HARRIS

William John Harris 1940 -2019

It is with great sadness, the family announces the passing of William (Bill) John Harris at his home on Saturday Nov 30, at the age of 79 years.

Bill will be forever missed by Sharon, his wife of 54 years, son Randy (Christie), daughter Dyan (Mark) MacKinnon & the lights of his life - his precious grandchildren Chyler & Daxson MacKinnon. He is survived also by his nephew & childhood friend, Steve Klepak (Sue), & niece Gayle Klepak of Oregon, USA, Brothers & Sisters In Law, Edward & Karolyn Munn of Evansburg, AB, Fred Kuzmic of Edson, AB, Toby & Colleen Vennechenko of Emo, ON, as well as numerous cousins, nieces & nephews & many of Randy & Dyan's friends who lovingly referred to him as "The Dad".

Bill was pre-deceased by his parents William & Annie Harris of Atikokan & older sisters Jean Klepak & Sophie Icton. Bill was born on May 4, 1940 in Thunder Bay, ON.

He spent his first 28 years in Atikokan, attending Clark Street, Mark Street and Atikokan High School. Bill worked during High School at the Rockton Hotel front desk. After graduation, he worked for the Telephone company & later CNR as a Signalman. He always enjoyed being outdoors, loved fishing, hunting & camping. He served in the Army Reserves in his youth & was a member of the Masonic Temple, Shriners & The Knights of Columbus in earlier days.

In 1961 Bill saw the girl he would marry & began his determined pursuit. In 1962 they finally met at a dance. They were married in 1965 & soon after moved to Winnipeg where they raised their family.

As a child, Bill was interested in science, space and anything electronic related. He maintained these interests throughout his life - always waiting for the new smart phone to come out or a computer upgrade of some kind. He attended Red River College in Winnipeg to take electronics courses & was employed for 32 years, until his retirement, with Videon Cable TV, first as a technician & later in the office. Upon retirement, Bill & Sharon once again took up camping. Their 5th wheel took them to WE Fest for many years, a winter in Texas & through many wonderful places in Canada & the United States. When not on the road, their happy place has been their seasonal campsite at Wild Oaks in Richer, MB. Chyler & Daxson loved spending time with Papa at camp & he loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with them.

Bill was a quiet, but generous soul who was always willing to help out when asked. His home was always open & his children's friends knew they were welcome at any time, which is why he is known as "The Dad" to so many. Although he was not a flashy man, he did love lights as evidenced at his neon campsite & his home at Christmas — the more lights the better.

Cremation has taken place & there will be no funeral service as per his wishes. Family & friends are invited to an informal gathering on Friday, December 13th from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Garden City Community Centre, 725 Kingsbury Avenue, Winnipeg.

Our thanks to Cropo Funeral Home for taking care of arrangements, to the compassionate paramedics, firefighters and police who attended; to the many friends & family who have called, texted, messaged, sent food or flowers, offering to help in any way. We are blessed.