Richard "Dickie" Harris

Richard "Dickie" Harris, age 69, son of the late Otto and Anne Harris. Beloved husband of Patty Harris (née O'Neill). Loving father of Olivia (Aaron Barkoff), Huston, and Wyatt. Doting grandfather of Noah, Annie, and Leila. Dear brother of Suzette and Larry Harris. Fond brother-in-law of Fr. Dennis and Tom (Denise) O'Neill. Devoted friend to legions.

Dickie was an indomitable spirit who lived every day to its fullest, appreciating the beauty in everything from a wild mushroom in the grass to a breathtaking sunset over his beloved Lake Michigan. More importantly, he deeply loved the people in his life, supporting them for who they are and recognizing each person's special talent or gift.

He turned the world into a magical playground. Whether it was walking into a noisy, fluorescent-lit diner and asking for their most romantic booth, or throwing a black tie bowling party complete with harpist, he was all about joy. This past year, while taking on cancer, he did it with grace, humor, and his Dickie-esque charge-ahead spirit.

Dickie was an advertising man and proud of it: a Creative Director at FCB and Group Creative Director at Ogilvy; but in his heart, he was always a Leo Burnett guy. As a Creative Director there, he worked on campaigns for chicken, beer, banks, and cereal. (For example, his headline for Revlon Bath Beads: "The Balming of Pearl Farber.") When his mother offered to buy him a car if he got a law degree, he went to night school at IIT and earned his Juris Doctor with a specialty in real estate contract law. As a lawyer, he liked buying buildings. And getting his friends out of parking tickets.

But most of all, his passion was for language, ideas, and theater. Oh, how he loved the theater. He was the Playwrite in Residence for the St. Nicholas; had plays performed at the Organic; and readings at the Victory Gardens and the Alliance. Just last month, the Goodman did a reading of his play "Doll Woman." And how pleased he was.

A week ago, Dickie went back into the hospital. When he passed during the night, his wife sent a text message to friends assigned to spread the word. It read: "The Fat Lady Sang." Dickie would have loved that. But today, the world's singing through a heavy heart. We will always miss you, glorious friend.

Chapel service, Sunday, September 8, 3:00 p.m. at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 255-3520. Interment at Shalom Memorial Park. www.shalom2.com to leave tributes and condolences.