Obituary of Donald Clair Harris

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". HARRIS - Don passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Regina Generla Hospital. He was 80 years, 2 months and 25 days of age.Don was born October 25, 1934 at Yorkton, SK., the 5th of 6 children born to James Henry (Jim) and Mary Beatrice (Sherwin) Harris. He grew up on Maple Grove Farm and completed high school at Yorkton Collegiate Institute. In 1956 Don married the love of his life, Lorraine (Serenchuk) and they shared almost 59 years of many interests, adventures and accomplishments. Together they raised three daughters, were blessed with seven grandchildren and took great pride in their achievements. Don was a fixture in the business community for over 43 years, as owner of Yorkton Cycle & Sports Goods Ltd. and Yorkton Rod & Rifle. He was a mentor and teacher to the many young people who had their first jobs at Yorkton Cycle. His friends and family knew Don as a hard-working, honest, fair and fun loving man who faced life with humour and dignity. He was a family man who valued community involvement and was blessed with many wonderful and loyal friends with whom he enjoyed many happy times. Ski trips, curling parties and costume parties are legendary. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures and loved music and dancing. He found great pleasure in flowers and nature and spent many happy hours in his back yard with his garden and watching birds. Don was a sportsman and an athlete. He loved hunting and fishing and there are endless stories about these pursuits. He was named Sportsman of the Year in 1994 and was inducted into the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, as both an outstanding athlete and as a builder. A founding member of the Yorkton Trap Club, he was recognized for his achievements as a trapshooter where he competed at the provincial and national levels. An avid curler throughout his life, Don was a director, draw master and served as president of the Yorkton Curling Club for 9 years and was inducted as a life member in 1985. He enjoyed golfing and served on the Deer Park Golf Club board for a number of years. He was a long-time supporter of figure skating and track and field. Don was dedicated to nature conservation and was involved with Ducks Unlimited Canada for nearly three decades. His passion for the outdoors and dedication as a volunteer contributed to the protection and enhancement of thousands of acres of habitat in Saskatchewan. In 2009 he was honoured with the dedication of the Harris Conservation Project in Yorkton. Don was also a member of the Yorkton Wildlife Federation for many years, serving as President. As a life-long resident of Yorkton, Don gave back to his community in so many ways. He served as President of the Yorkton Kiwanis Club; President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce; served on City Council as an Alderman; President of the Downtown Business Association; President of the Yorkton Liberal Association; Director of the Yorkton 4H Club; President of the Yorkton Agricultural and Exhibition Board; was inducted into the Senate of the Yorkton Exhibition Society; Member of Founding Board of Westview United Church. Don embraced life with great enthusiasm and met all challenges head on. His greatest challenge began in 2001 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He faced countless ensuing medical issues with courage and strength, surviving treatments and multiple life threatening surgeries. Trips to the Hemodialysis unit at the Sunrise Heath Centre in Yorkton became part of his routine and the health care teams were considered part of his family. He defied all medical prognoses and was truly a "miracle man". But every journey must come to an end and after many years of fighting, Don knew it was time to rest. We now celebrate his life. The sorrow and grief we feel attests to a man well loved. Don is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his daughters Donna (Rick), Joanne (Robin) and Gail; grandchildren Nolan, Lauren, Claire, Brayden, Brody, Kasen and Gabrielle; sisters Jean Airth (Dick) of California, Doreen Gronkjear (Ole) of BC; brother Robert Harris (Pegi) of Florida; many other relatives and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Beatrice, and his brothers, Lloyd and Gordon. The funeral service was held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from Westview United Church in Yorkton with Rev. Deborah Smith officiating. Family friend Rev. Ken Buchan assisted. Daughter Joanne Ganton gave the eulogy, and a poem written by grandson Brayden Ganton was read by granddaughter Claire Ochitwa. Special music, 'Hallelujah' was performed by grandchildren Lauren & Nolan Ochitwa. Organist, Laurene Jemieff led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore', and 'One More Step Along the Road I Go'. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Nolan Ochitwa serving as the urnbearer. At the reception following the interment, daughter Gail gave thanks on behalf of the family. Memorials were to the Hemodialysis Unit of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, SK Wildlife federation, Yorkton branch, or to Duck's Unlimited. The cremation and funeral care was entrusted to: Service Information Saturday, January 24th, 2015 1:30pm, Westview United Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens