Wade Harris

Wade Harris obituary

Wade Harris

Wade Harris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 2 to Sep. 6, 2009.
Harris, Wade 73 of Apple Valley Minnesota died surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Aug- ust 29th after an extended hospitalization due to complications following heart surgery. Preceded in death by his sons, Tony Harris and Jeff Phillips and siblings, Doug, Kathy and Doyle. Survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughter, Lori (Herb Ward); son, Michael (Corinna Harris); and beloved grandchildren, Charlie, Tony, Jazz, and Josie. Born in OK in 1936, Wade transformed his life by meeting and marrying Nancy Andrews, then moving to her family's home state of MN in 1962. Wade supported his family by working as a car salesman through the 1960s. In 1970 Wade and Nancy founded Associated Leasing. In 1973 Wade acquired the first of four car dealerships when he bought Southside Dodge. The death of Wade's son, Tony, in 1978 compelled Wade to make an impact in the wheelchair community. "I know if Tony had survived, he would have been in a wheelchair for the rest of his life". Wade went on to found Rollx Vans which modifies vehicles to be used by those in a wheelchair. In 2004, Wade created the charity Wounded Warriors which has provided free accessible vans for more than 70 injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. A celebration of Wade's life will take place on Friday, September 11, 6:00 pm at the St Paul Town and Country Club - 300 Mississippi Blvd North, St Paul. Memorials preferred to the Wade Harris Scholarship Fund.

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September 13, 2009

Donna Lancaster posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2009

Matthew Blagg posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2009

Peter & Jane Lefferts posted to the memorial.

Donna Lancaster

September 13, 2009

Dear Family, Tomy and I are thinking of you all and praying for peace in your hearts. Know that you are loved by Wades cousins and other family members. I always thought that Wade and Doyle were the strongest 2 guys I knew. Again I lift you up in prayer. Donna R. and Tomy

Matthew Blagg

September 12, 2009

Nancy, Lori, Michael

I have been so blessed to have an Uncle Wade in my life.
I was always a high point when "ya"ll" came to visit, or we
got to visit you, and we made fun of how each other talked.
Wade never let me forget our underwear contest, Michael!
He inspired me, and encouraged me. I will miss that.
I am forever grateful for you all, and I wish I could've been there. You are in my prayers!
Grace & Peace
Matt

Peter & Jane Lefferts

September 11, 2009

Dear Nancy, Lori, Michael & Family:

Wade was one of the first friends we met upon arriving in Minnesota in '86, all thanks to a very fortunate referral to Nancy to lease a car. That led to an energizing and enduring friendship with Wade and his wonderful family.

As we grew to know and love Wade over the years we gained appreciation for the richness, challenges, and intensity of a life which had forged this ruggedly American, yet caring and tender entrepreneur from Oklahoma. We overcame our envy of the fact that Wade and Nancy looked like Hollywood stars when we double-dated for tennis, movies, or fine dining.

We always deferred to Wade's expertise in wine selection. In fact, Jane and I figure that the best glass of wine in our lives may have been with Wade and Nancy on the aft balcony of a cruise ship entering Bordeaux a few years ago. Minutes before sunset Wade raised one arm in a silent toast while holding a glowing Nancy beside him. Wade beamed his incomparable smile at us. Without a word spoken we four knew that it doesn't get any better than that wonderful moment.

You will always be with us, Wade.

Betty Christian

September 11, 2009

My Dear Friend Nancy, I am at such a loss for words. I think of you each day and what you are going through. I will miss Wade immensely, He is a Good Friend always. My thoughts will always be with you,

Sharon Blagg

September 11, 2009

Dear Nancy, Lori, Mike, and family,

My heart is heavy today, and my prayers are with you.

Wade filled a large space in my life. I will forever have memories of him. Love, Sharon

Fred Neumann

September 10, 2009

Dear Nancy & Family,
Sorry for your loss of your loved one, Wade was a wonderful guy. He gave
us alot of lasting memories, he was so
good to us over the years, he will be
deeply missed. If there is any thing I
can do to help up at the lake let me know, I'am real flexible and would be glad to help.
Your friends
Fred & Debbie Neumann

September 10, 2009

Nancy, Lori, Mike and family,

My memories of Wade go back to Oklahoma - way back when I was little, and I remember Wade carrying me on his shoulders as we went to the creek with Doug and Doyle. He always seemed bigger than life - just the way he lived it.

And you Nancy, how could anyone be more gracious to a couple of relatives whom you had only known a few hours when Donna Rose and I took you and (soon to be Lori) on the ride of your life in Daddy's old two ton truck!

We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon Kay

Amy Anderson Bigot

September 10, 2009

To the Harris family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Although it has been many years since we've talked, I've often thought of your family with warm memories --- from the times as a little girl going with my dad (Mel Anderson) to Southside Dodge to pick up/service a company van (Snyder Electric), to having the privilege of knowing Tony, and getting to know Lori as my confirmation camp counselor. My dad always respected, admired, and spoke very highly of Wade. The way your family has taken tragedy and turned it around into something so wonderful is a true testament to kind of man Wade was. It tickles me to think that 30 years later, my dad is still driving Wade's vans, but now it's a Rollx van. Thank you for the mobility you've provided my parents!

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

September 10, 2009

Dear Nancy, Lori, and Michael and families: again, please accept my condolances. Wade was a very special man, and I am honored to have known him. I have many good memories of time well spent together. You are all in my prayers,and any way that I can be of help is yours.

DON BLAGG WEATHERFORD, OK

Shannan Blagg Ghera

September 10, 2009

Dearest Nancy, Lori, Michael and family,
My heart aches for you. I know nothing will replace Uncle Wade's giant heart, his ready laugh, his sharp wit, and his wise counsel in your lives. I will forever cherish the memories I have of him and continue to hold you all in my prayers. I will never forget being a little girl at your house, and Uncle Wade pushing me on the rope swing over the creek - encouraging me to not be afraid, just hold on and enjoy swinging higher. How like Wade. :-) I love you all dearly.
Shannan, Ion & Sebastian

Kathy Gordon

September 7, 2009

Nancy, Mike, and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during what I know is a difficult time. I came to know the Harris Family through our friend, Leo Grossman when we held Leo's fundraiser for his Van in 1989. Since that time, Wade and Mike have supported Leo's charity, Mobility for Independence through Rollx and have helped give the gift of independence to many people with disabilities. Leo and Wade shared a common dream that I know will continue as their legacy.

It was a pleasure to know Wade and I know he will be missed.

In Sympathy,
Kathy ( and Bill) Gordon
Director, Mobility for Independence

September 7, 2009

Dearest Nancy and Family,
Many years have trickled by but my memory of your kind generosity of time and friendship have never been forgotten. Thinking back to our many evenings (into the A.M.) of Bridge brings smiles. I remember your children and I'm sorry to read you lost Tony. Oddly enough I was recently thinking of the nightgown you made for my oldest, Beth for her birthday and your support during my second pregnancy with Bridget.
They say we can never experience true love until we share another's sorrow, at this time my prayer is that the rough edges of grief become smoother for you and yours.
Bless you all.
With fondness - Judy (Whinnery) Norman

September 6, 2009

Dear Nancy,
I remember your wedding so many years ago when we were roommates in CA. I am soooo sorry to hear about Wade. We lost contact years a few years ago but our years of friendship still linger.
I wish you peace and healing of heart as you cherish your good memories of family , friends, work and travels. May God bless you & your lovely family.
A MN friend just sent me this message tonight. I am in Oregon babysitting grandchildren but I wish we lived closer so I could give you a hug on Sept 11!
Joanne Archbold Bean {Rohnert Park, CA}

Donnie Copp

September 6, 2009

My condolences to the Harris family,

I first met and starting working with Wade when the Dodge store moved from Savage to Burnsville, He always had time to stop out in the shop and say howdy with that wonderfull smile and the wink that showed everyone was special.

One of many Wade and Nancy's donations to the community

Greg Cornish

September 4, 2009

Wade and Nancy picked out Walter Smith, Tom Boettcher and myself to transport the disabled for free in the early 80s. The experience made me a better man. They directly impacted my life. My love goes with you Wade Harris.

Ernie & JoAnn Darlow

September 3, 2009

Nancy & Family our thoughts and prayers go out to you, so sorry for your lost of a good husband & father and i"m sure a great grandfather, He will be greatly missed, Ernie Sr & JoAnn & Ernie Jr & Sarah And Ean Darlow. McGregor Mn

Tony Spadafore

September 3, 2009

Mike and Nancy,
I'm so sorry to read about Wade. He was one of the many characters in my life who made a difference, not just in the community, but in who I am as well. I'll always remember the family atmosphere he helped create at Rollx and all of the great stories I got from working for him. He'll be sorely missed.

Sue Erickson

September 3, 2009

Mike and family,
I was so sorry to here the news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Foudray Erickson

September 2, 2009

Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.

Mariann Grossman and the Board members of Mobility for Independence (the Leo Grossman Fund)

Dianne Sovis

September 2, 2009

Wade earned his "wings in Heaven" over and over again. He usually kept his emotions well in hand but if you worked with him for a long time, you could see when he was truly touched and when his heart took over his business decisions.

The fun was watching this consummate professional watch his son grow and learn in the tough business world seeing the pride sometimes overwhelm him. I sat in awe at the love and devotion he had for his beloved wife and friend, Nancy. And laughed more often than not at the joy he shared with his grandchildren.

Nancy, Mike, and Lori, my heart aches for your loss, I grieve with you but am so grateful for having known him and all of you. God Bless and Keep you all!

Tyler & Judy Smith

September 2, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

September 2, 2009

Nancy & Family -
I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wade was a good man and he will be missed.
Love you all!
Tricia (Robins)Goede and Pete Goede

Diane Briest

September 2, 2009

My condolences to the Harris family and the Rollx family. Although we don't know you personally, your generosity in providing us with the use of a Rollx through Wounded Warriors instilled us with a hope for a life we weren't sure we would ever experience again. It gave us confidence and courage to face our new future and will not be forgotten. Our sympathies to you all.

September 2, 2009

Dear Nancy & Family,
So much our hearts would like to say..so hard to find the words. You will honor him each day in how you live and who you are. With sincere and deepest sympathy,

Jeff & Andi Krapu

Sandi & Ronnie Hardi

September 2, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Andrea Yahr

September 2, 2009

Wade will be deeply missed. He had a profound impact on my life, as the whole Harris family has. I have cherished every opportunity I have had in Wade's presence and his encouragement to me personally. He was a great man.

I met Wade for the first time on August 29th, 2000 as a temp for the Reception position at Rollx. Our first meeting was almost our last as his personality was not something I was used to and overwhelmed me. But realizing Wade dealt with people in many different ways, I choose to stay at Rollx permanently. The next eight years were amazing being part of the Rollx family, but my relationship with Wade also grew as he challenged me in my career. After I left Rollx, Wade and I maintained business contact for the next 2 years, and I will miss that very much.

My family sends our deepest sympathies and may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

September 2, 2009

Nancy and family,

Larry and I were very sad to hear of Wade's passing. We enjoyed having the opportunity to meet him and spend time with the boy of you. We will miss him.

Love, Mary Ann and Larry

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Sign Wade Harris's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 13, 2009

Donna Lancaster posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2009

Matthew Blagg posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2009

Peter & Jane Lefferts posted to the memorial.