Richard Elmer Harris

WINSLOW – On a beautiful fall afternoon, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, Richard Elmer Harris, 92, of Winslow, rejoined Mom and his friends and family who have already made the trip out of this world and on to the next.

Richard was born in Nutley, NJ, on June 1, 1932, the son of Anne Byrne Harris (who died when Dad was 7), and Fred Harris. His family moved to Haverhill, Mass., for his school years, and he graduated from Hampton Academy in New Hampshire in 1950, where he also played hockey as goalie. He spent one year in pre-med courses at UMass, followed by four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably serving as an M.P. during the Korean War.

Upon his return from Korea, Richard studied for three years at Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Ind. When he ran out of money for college, he came to Maine and began working at Thayer Hospital, where he met his future bride, Marlene Amber Ham, at the annual Christmas party. Wasting no time, they were married on Feb. 1, 1958. Together they spent 63 years raising three children, building their home on the Garland Road and a lovely cottage in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Mom and Dad were a very hard-working team, fearless about tackling creative projects, doing new things, and going to new places, always together, although not always with the same ideas about how to do things, which kept life interesting. Dad instilled in each of us a strong work ethic, honesty, respect, and decency by example. He had a great wit and a knack for sarcasm, which he also passed on to each of us.

Dad was intelligent and talented in many areas and could build nearly anything, do plumbing, wiring, and anything else that was needed. He restored antique furniture and clocks in his younger days, enjoyed woodworking and made furniture for his children and grandchildren. In his later years, he built model boats, including a 32” wooden model of the Bluenose II. Dad liked antique autos and owned several during his lifetime. He and Mom enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and motorcycling, and were avid square-dancers with life-long friends Ed and Marie Warman. Dad was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan his entire life and couldn’t believe he lived to see them finally win a Championship in 2004.

Dad worked at Thayer Hospital (Maine General Medical Center) for 37 years, starting out as a surgical technician in the OR and Recovery, and spent most of his career as Purchasing Agent, retiring 30 years ago in 1994. Retired, he and Mom spent summers in Prince Edward Island, winters in Fort Meade, Fla., and the rest in Winslow.

Dad was also an active participant in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, both in Maine and Florida. He was a Past Master and 60-year member of Waterville Lodge #33, and Past Patron of Martha Washington Chapter #15, Waterville.

After Mom passed in 2021, Dad was fortunate to live at Goudreau’s Retirement Inn, where the incredible staff, especially Hazel, whom he fondly nicknamed “The General”, and April, took excellent care of him. In return, Dad provided lots of laughs with his signature teasing, funny faces, and sense of humor. To all the incredible medical professionals that cared for Dad, your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Dad was predeceased by his oldest son, Dana Richard Harris of Fairfield in 2008, his wife, Marlene, in 2021, and his sister, Jeanne Stevens. He is survived by his youngest son, Martin Paul Harris of Oakland (with Rhonda Kennedy). He is survived by me, his daughter, Allison Watson of Fairfield (with Len Poulin) and my tribe, Melissa Audet (with Ray Benjamin, Cameron Stewart, and Abigale Stewart), Brian Audet (wife Sydnee, Laynee Brook, and soon Kenlee), and Benjamin Audet (with his better half Felicia Paradis). Also, brother-in-law Wayne Ham his wife, Peggy, Jason, and Christopher (with Sarah Austin).

Dad – Marty and I are grateful to have had you for a father, and we did our best to honor your life and your wishes. I know resting in peace is not your style, so have a great time and give Mom a hug from us. Until we meet again…

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Richard’s memorial page https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/richard-harris-oct-2024 at where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.