Harris Gordon Coomes

1933 - 2016 PUTNEY Harris Gordon Coomes, 82, of Sand Hill Road died Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the VA hospital in White River Junction, VT following a period of declining health. Born June 2, 1933 at home in Putney, the son of Gordon and Minnie Sampson Coomes. He attended school in Putney and St. Michaels' High School and completed his GED while serving in the Army. Harris served his country as a veteran of the Korean Conflict as an Army mail clerk, serving from 1954 to 1956 in Germany and was Honorably Discharged. Harris then served six years in the Army Reserve and was Honorably Discharged. Upon his return home Harris resumed work with West River Basket Company as a laborer and then traffic manager and purchasing agent. In 1965, Harris became an electrician apprentice for Frank T. Coty in Hanover, NH. After completing his electrical license Harris started three electrical contracting companies; first, Bright Light Electric with Ken Miller, then, Putney Electric Company with Larry Cassidy and finally, running his own company for 25 years. Harris retired in 1995. Harris loved sports from a young age. He played basketball regularly at the Putney Community Center. Harris enjoyed playing in Men's League Basketball, traveling all over New England and continued his support of the sport by becoming a basketball official and Head Men's Basketball Coach for Windham College in the 1970's. As head coach, Harris made friendships with his players that lasted until his death. Another of Harris' pursuits was baseball. Harris was a founding member of the Putney Athletic Club playing, organizing, and traveling in the West River Valley baseball league, playing for the Putney Polecats. Harris was a long time softball and baseball umpire and had the opportunity to umpire several state high school baseball and softball championships. Harris also umpired adult league softball and was invited to umpire several state and New England championships. Harris dedicated a great deal of time in improving Cooper's Field owned by the Putney Community Center. Harris was instrumental in building dugouts, the snack bar, maintenance of the field and installation of fencing. Harris was an avid deer and moose hunter who enjoyed trips all over New England, Pennsylvania and Montana. Harris was a member of the Lions Club, the VFW and the American Legion. Harris founded the Junior Police in Putney. Harris is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anita Miller Coomes. Harris and Anita had known each other virtually their entire lives as they both grew up in Putney and their mothers were great friends. On November 26, 1960 Harris and Anita were married at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Putney. Surviving their father are daughter, Vicki Goodrich and her husband, Peter of Lebanon, NH, a son, Brian Coomes of Putney, VT and a daughter, Lori Coomes of Chicago, IL, a sister, Edith Rounds and her husband, Wilfred of Vernon, VT. Additionally he leaves one niece, two nephews, a great-niece and several great-nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE: Graveside committal services and burial with full military honors will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney, the date will be announced by the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Putney Community Center at 10 Christian Square, Putney, Vermont, 05346 or the Putney Fire Department at 21 Carl Snyder Drive, Putney, VT, 05346. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence please visit : www.atamaniuk.com