Joseph Henry Harris

Harris, Joseph Henry (1924-2023)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Henry Harris.  Joe was born in the small village of Tichburn, Ontario on July 20th 1924. He passed away at St. Joseph’s Villa in Sudbury, Ontario, on March 1st 2023.  

He was predeceased by his loving wife Yvonne Harris (née Pellis). Joe was the last of the Harris brothers who all predeceased him including John Harris, Keith Harris, and Harold Harris. Beloved father of Brent (Yvonne) of Calgary, Patricia (Patrick Moyle) of Caledon and Mary (Peter Longston) of Kimberly, BC. Cherished grandfather of James, Melissa, Lindsay (Greg), Cody (Kylee), Jesse (Alex) and great-grandchildren Mathew, Jayce, Knox, Benjamin, Frederick, and Jason. Also mourning his loss is Joe’s best friend, Doreen Buchanan who spent many happy days in Joe’s last years.

Joe enlisted in the war in 1941, at the young age of 17.  He spent the war as an airplane mechanic and reconnaissance crew member.  After the war, Joe moved to Sudbury, Ontario where he went to work as an electrician’s helper in the mines for Inco.  After years of work and studying he earned his first class electricians papers.  Joe was transferred to the engineering department, where he became a construction superintendent.  While working during the day, he studied at night and became a registered professional engineer.  He was recognized for his leadership skills and was appointed Head of Power and Generation for all of Inco in Ontario.  After many years of service, Joe retired and moved to Indonesia, where he headed up the power generation for Inco on a contract basis. Finally, after many years, Joe settled into full time retirement. Joe spent many years in the service of others.  Joe was a member of the Lively Lions Club.  He achieved a position in the Ontario Lions as a District Governor and travelled all through Northern Ontario visiting and organizing clubs in small towns.  Later in life, Joe became a member of the Sudbury Masons and Shriners in Sudbury.  He enthusiastically joined the Hillbilly Ramblers band who toured the Sudbury Care Homes and played for the patrons.  In retirement Joe wrote a book highlighting many stories of his war years and things he dreamed of.  He loved to cook and share with others. Joe and Yvonne spent 19 years in Brownsville, Texas, enjoying golf, music, and dinners across the border in Mexico. Joe had many friends and he enjoyed nothing better than getting together for a sing song or a game of cards.  Later in life, he spent many hours with Doreen talking and playing cards. 

The family wishes to thank our special friends and family who visited Joe while he was infirmed, especially Doreen.  Also, many thanks to the staff at St. Joe’s Villa on the Sunnyside wing who assisted Joe and the immediate family.

A celebration of Joe’s life will occur later in the summer with a private burial. Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.

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