Obituary of Malcolm A. Harris

Harris, Malcolm A. - With deep sadness we announce the passing of Malcolm Arnold Harris on December 18, 2007 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in McAdam, N.B., Malcolm and his beloved wife, Carolyn (Little) recently moved from their family home on Scotia View Drive to retire beside the beautiful St. John River in Grand Bay-Westfield. Born September 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Ronald and Janice Harris. Upon graduation from McAdam High School, he entered the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force, serving in various locations throughout Newfoundland. He was especially proud when he was selected to participate in the Musical Ride. An unfortunate accident, which resulted in the loss of one of his limbs, led to his early retirement in 1969, and his passion to assist amputees in N.B. In 1976, Malcolm completed his BBA from UNBSJ which prepared him for his future career, as Case Manager, with the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission from which he retired in the year 2000. As a member of the Corps of Commissionaires, 2006-07, he managed traffic flow during the cruise ship season. Malcolm was a Past Master of Ashlar Lodge #36, F and A.M., McAdam and a member of Carleton Union Lodge #8. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District #1. He was deeply involved in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, serving as a long time Secretary and being honoured with his Thirty Third Degree. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Malcolm was active in the Saint John Shrine Club, serving as President and Secretary. He also belonged to the Royal Order of Jesters. Many boards, locally and provincially, benefited from Malcolm's expertise: Saint John Police Commission, Heritage Development Board, St. John Ambulance Board, Human Rights Commission, River Valley Community Center, River Valley Track Committee. He served as an elder at both St. Mark's United Church and Westfield United Church. He took great enjoyment in placing the highest bid at many Ducks Unlimited Dinners. He loved sharing his opinion on many topics, particularly politics, in a manner which left his audience either laughing or at least ready for a debate. Malcolm was a key player in many municipal and provincial elections. Malcolm's love for Carolyn was sincere as they enjoyed trips together to Atlantic City, Florida, Myrtle Beach, & New Orleans. Their door was always open to welcome their many friends, who were well entertained as they enjoyed the beautiful view from their waterfront home. Proud of his sons, Jason, David and Steven, he instilled the values of respect and importance of family, which he so believed in. Some of his fondest memories were vacations at Palfrey Lake, fishing with his young boys and reminiscing with "Junie", his dad. His second home, during the summer, was the Westfield Golf and Country Club where he finally achieved his goal of scoring in the low 80's. Malcolm had a profound impact on everyone he encountered, whether it was the "boys" he met each morning at Burger King, his golf buddies, local politicians or his lodge brothers. Malcolm is survived by his wife Carolyn of 35 years, his sons David (Rachel), Steven (partner Krizzelle), one grandson, Luke, sisters, Jeanne (Wheelock) Bangor, ME, Virginia (Ross Little) Fredericton, N.B., his brother-in-law, Jim Little, of Iqaluit and several cousins, nieces and nephews. His Mother-in-law, Patricia (Gordon McAllister), loved him as a son. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his eldest son, Jason. There will be no visitation by request. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB (506-634-7425). Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. Marks United Church on Friday December 21st at 1pm, with Rev. Bob Mercer and Rev. Elizabeth Stevenson officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Westfield United Church Accessibility Project or the River Valley Track Fund.