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Michael Harris Obituary

Michael J. Harris 4/7/1938 - 3/24/2011 Michael was a man of many interests whose best days were spent with family, friends, serving the community which he loved and on the golf course. A champion of many causes, Mike's compassion and devotion to those in need had an impact on many. Survived by wife of 45 years, Charlotte; sons, Chris (Ann) and Tim (Jen); daughter, Kathleen (Cliff) Bowman; grandchildren, Ashley and John Harris, Michael, Ryan, Nick and Rachel Bowman, Emma and Ash Harris; sisters, Sr. Colleen and Sr. Kathleen Harris, CSJ. Services will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5150 N. Valley View Road. Vigil and Rosary on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Mike to The United Way of Tucson, Salpointe Catholic Endowed Scholarship Fund, The Conquistadores, and Casas Adobes Rotary Foundation. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, 327-6341.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 27, 2011.

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Fred Hall

March 24, 2024

Mike, I will always remember your amazing energy and sense of humor. You and Sister Mary st. Eleanor always made a great team.

Sandra Harrington

March 21, 2021

Gone awhile ,but not forgotten!

Frank naughton

March 21, 2020

Miss my friend and buddy of many years. Sometime in the future to be re-United....Mike, just not yet❤❤❤

Gilbert Contreras

April 5, 2011

Mike was a great boss and an amazing person. I enjoyed working with him at Tucson General Hospital. My sympathy to his family and friends. Gilbert Contreras - Tucson

Margo Elson

April 3, 2011

Charlotte, Kathleen, Chris, Tim. Simply put, Mike was a magnificent man and I am so happy to have known him. You have my condolences and my love.

Peter Forrest, M.D.

April 3, 2011

For sixty years my brother - I have always had your kindred spirit close by -- able to touch in some fashion -- as we walked our separate destiny. You have lived an exemplary life of family and service -- the accolades attest to that ... JOB WELL DONE ... and know Our Father has greeted you home -- whispering to you and heard by us all "Welcome Home My Good and Faithful Servant!"

As Jerry gave nuiance -- keep an eye on us -- until we unite again -- hopefully also celebrating our own service to others -- which you have dramatically and selflessly demonstrated to us in your journey.

Namaste,

April 2, 2011

With loving sympathy and prayers for Michael's repose and for comfort and peace to his family. I feel like I know a little about Michael because of his great sisters, Srs. Colleen & Kathleen,csj
SPatricia J. Crother,csj - Los Angeles

Mic Williams

April 2, 2011

I miss my dear friend. What a loss to his family, his friends and our community. He gave to all. A community just can’t replace a guy like Mike. He was important to so many different varied community challenges and worked hard for the city he loved.
Mike always had a story and frequently a raffle ticket. It was recurrently worth the ticket to get the story. He did not do idle gossip and seldom spoke poorly of anyone. He was relentlessly upbeat, enthusiastic and fun to be around.
He had a wonderful recollection of past events and visiting with him was a walk down memory lane. We will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlotte, and his extended family.
Mic & Jeanne Williams

Carol (Kimzey)Cusimano

April 2, 2011

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. (class of 57)

Frank A Culver, '54

March 31, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Linda Phillips

March 31, 2011

In School, Mike could always make this shy girl laugh. It appears he remained that warm, funny guy to the end. Good job, Mike! Via con Dios. Linda (Candy) Coyne Phillips, Salpointe '56

David Griffis

March 31, 2011

He was, simply, one in a million.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy.

Herb Kay

March 31, 2011

I have known Mike personally for only a short time, but in that span I found a man who was just plain good to the bone. He was a terrific human being. At a time like this, people all get kind of numb and in lots of ways don't know how to act. Mike's passing reminded me of how fragile life really is, and how the best of us often are taken first. I have no idea why that is. I will miss Mike, truly, and our entire community will be the poorer for it. Men like Mike are rare. It was an honor to know him.

Krista McCraken

March 31, 2011

Condolences to the Harris family. I have heard stories all my life about the friendship of Mike, George, and my father, Jim. Mike's memory will live on in the hearts of many. Fondly, Krista Bunker

Kit Murray Johndrow

March 30, 2011

To all the Harris Family,
Joe and I were saddened to learn of Mike's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.

Dennis Breen

March 30, 2011

Charlotte are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through the shock of the loss of Mike and his ever present wit and wisdom.

Dennis & Anne Breen

March 30, 2011

DEAR CHARLOTTE
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

LARRY Shinkel'55 and Claudia Mcdowell Shinkel'57

Joan Niesen (Kedra)

March 30, 2011

To the Harris Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in those around you and rejoice in the memories you hold dear to your hearts.

Margaret Gallego

March 29, 2011

Dearest Harris Family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences in this difficult time of sorrow. God Bless you. You have been in my prayers and thoughts. Sincerely, Margaret Gallego

Dick O'Connell

March 29, 2011

Dear Harris Family: I remember Mike as a strong, handsome, fun-loving teammate on Salpointe's football and baseball teams. He was a couple of classes ahead of me. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences.

Jim Campbell

March 29, 2011

Mike was passionate about everything he did whether it was real estate, his family or golf. He will be missed by many in Tucson. We are all lesser without him.

March 29, 2011

My prayers are with Charlotte and all of the Harris family.

Jane Klein-Schiller (Salpointe, Tucson)

Tito Gonzales

March 28, 2011

To the Harris family,
Mike was a great husband, father, classmate (class of 56), community leader, and friend. He will be missed, but his spirit lives in all of us whose lives he touched. Your loss is our loss.

Please accept our deepest and sincerest condolences. May Our Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow.

March 28, 2011

My condolences to Michael's family,
Linda R Flaherty Butcher
La Mesa, California

David Deibel

March 28, 2011

Mike Harris taught a class I took in the late '70's at the UofA when he was the head of Tucson Hospital. I don't remember many teachers but I remembered him. His wit and common sense made for a great class. Later I saw he became a successful realtor and active in the community. I truly regret his passing.

Herb Weber

March 28, 2011

Dear Charlotte and family,
Mike was a good golfing buddy. We enjoyed many spirited games and enjoyed each others company. He loved to compete- and compete he did.

Mike, along with Tim, was instrumental in helping us get settled in Tucson. We appreciate the guidance he provided. He will be missed.

We are sending prayers for his soul and for you and your family.

From Bali, Indonesia

Herb and Joan Weber

Teresa Glasner-Yandel

March 28, 2011

Dear Charlotte - I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was the absolute best man to work for and I learned so much every day from him. I particularly admired his commitment to you and your children, to his community, and to his faith. I learned what true integrity was from Mike. I will cherish the many fond memories I have of him. I trust your memories will sustain you until you are together again. Blessings to you and your family. He was a wonderful man and friend.

Todd Cleveland

March 28, 2011

A greatly respected man whom I admired a great deal. Mike will truly be missed and remembered.
Todd C.

Linda Dugan

March 28, 2011

Dear Charlotte and Family: Words cannot begin to describe the loss we all feel here at Perimeter Bicycling. I personally enjoyed meeting you and spending time with you and Mike at 2010 Interbike. Mike had so many good things to say about Tucson and El Tour to those who visited our booth. I learned a lot from him that week and will miss his words of wisdom and encouragement. May God's peace be with you at this difficult time.

March 28, 2011

To the Harris family ... although I have not seen Michael for many years ... I have so many posiive thoughts of him back in the late 50's and early 60's .... at the U of A and in particular through the Newman Club.

Bob Heyer has kept m informed as to Michaels activities ... in particlar though the present .... his spirit and optimism and love for his family and friends is awesome .... Jim Jenkins

Don Regole

March 28, 2011

Dear Charlotte and family, I am so sorry for your loss -- our community lost a great pillar. Please know you are in my prayers.

Mark Rubin

March 28, 2011

Charlotte and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a very special man!

March 28, 2011

Tim, those we love do not say good-bye, for love is timeless. Instead they leave us a solemn promis that when they are finally at rest in God, they will continue to be present to us whenever they are called upon. For in the Tree of Life their roots and ours ar forever intertwined. Peace be with you and your family. Gene Dineen

Marie Smith Callahan

March 28, 2011

Dear Mrs. Harris, Chris, Kathy, Tim and the whole Harris Family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of your husband, father and grandfather's passing. Please know you are all in our prayers during this very difficult time. You are such a lovely family and I know you will truly miss him as will many others. May God embrace you all even more so now. And, may your faith and the wonderful memories you cherish help you to heal. With love and prayers, Marie Smith Callahan and Family

Bertha Membrila

March 28, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May our Lord bring peace to your hearts.

Bertha Garcia Membrila and family

Linda and Steve Kirkpatrick

March 28, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family. Mike left a lasting legacy for all of us....live in faith, cherish family, serve others and enjoy life. We hope wonderful memories bring comfort to you now and always.

Wendy Petersen

March 28, 2011

Tim:

Harlan and I were so sorry to hear the news of your dad's death. Please accept our condolences.

Wendy Petersen and Harlan Agnew

Erin O'Neill Balkind

March 28, 2011

Dear Tim and the entire Harris Family, so sorry for your loss. I know your Dad will be very missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

March 28, 2011

Dear Harris Family,
I was so saddened to hear about your sweet father/husband/grandfather. He was a wonderful man and left this Earth too soon. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.
God Bless You.
Liz Moore Van Loan

My deepest condolences, Natalie Fortier '85

March 28, 2011

Dear Kathy and extended family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a legacy left by such a remarkable man. There is no doubt he felt the deep love of his family as he passed. May your special memories provide comfort and ease you through this sad time.

Jerry Marshall

March 28, 2011

Mike is just getting the place ready for that great reunion when we will all be together again. You will have plenty of help Mike. In the meantime help us now as we try our hardest to deserve the honor you now enjoy. You are always there with us and leading the way. Jerry Marshall

Rob Fisher

March 28, 2011

To Charlotte Chris Tim and Kathleen:
I'm sure you each know how much the Fisher family loved your father. He made each trip to Tucson a special experience. He will be missed so much by so many. God bless each of you so that you can find peace and cherish the memory of such a special person, your husband/father..., our special friend.

All the best,
Rob Marltnn Michael and Jason

Pamela Reitz-Bowman

March 28, 2011

I recall my my Godfather, "Uncle" Mike, as one of the most kind-hearted, generous people I've known. Always willing to find time for an "interview" for a college paper or to drive across town to bring me a Barbie Doll on my 8th (or was it 9th?) birthday. Mom & Dad have plenty of Uncle Mike stories to keep the memory alive so you will be remembered always. Rest in peace you kind soul.

Michele McDonough

March 27, 2011

Dear Mrs. Harris and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Harris was a wonderful man. His contributions to our community, his sense of humor, and his intelligence were inspiring. I was sorry to hear about his illness from Kathy and I was praying for him and for your family. I continue to pray for your peace and comfort during this time.
Michele McDonough

March 27, 2011

Dear Charlotte and your extended family. We are very sorry for your loss and we know how you must be grieving.. Please accept our condolences and be comforted knowing that there is a hereafter that he is enjoying and he will be waiting for you. Sincerely and with love, Ann, Tom, Rick Jeff & Jim Juretic

Frank Naughton

March 27, 2011

Dear Charlotte,Chris,Tim,Kathleen,Colleen,Kathleen and Grandchildren.....We share your sorrow and feel your loss...Mike was more than a dear friend...He was a kindred spirit and Claudia and I will miss him.....Christ has taken Mike unto himself and even as we say good-by we will say hello again when we unite with him, our families and friends....This we believe.

Charlotte, we love you and want you to know of our concern for the family ....

Frank and Claudia

Sharon Gwyn-Mills

March 27, 2011

Mrs. Harris and Kathy, just thinking of you and your family at this time. I am so sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for God's comfort to you all during this time.

In Jesus Christ,
Sharon Gwyn-Mills
Salpointe '85

March 27, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the Harris family.

Richard & Wanda Sniezek

March 27, 2011

To Mike's Family, my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We were not meant to live out our lives on this earth. God sent his son to redeem us so that we could live eternaly with Him in paradise. We will meet again, Mike, in that mansion God has waiting for us. To Charlotte and all the family; May the love of friends give you comfort, and may God's love grant you peace. Blessings, Pat Allen Messer, Salpointe '55

David Cohen

March 27, 2011

Although Mike's illness and death happened so quickly, he lived a full life and was a real community guy. I had the honor of serving with Mike on the MTCVB board for a number of years and then the Tucson Airport Authority. More recently, he was pitching funding increases to United Way from my firm. My deep condolences to Char, Tim and the rest of the Harris family. He will be missed.

Alex Jacome

March 27, 2011

Dear Charlotte and Family,
I cannot begin to express our shock and condolences on your loss. As somebody said, Mike was one of the Good Guys. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were students at Salpointe. He was a super guy then and got better as life went on. He contributed greatly to making Tucson a better place. I am sure that he will continue to do so in his new life. You are in our prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Alex and Ruthann Jacome

Michaeleen Buckley-Groff

March 27, 2011

Charlotte, I never knew you, but I remember Mike well. He was a leader even in high school. I knew him and his sisters well. After I left Tucson, I didn'thave any contact with him. My sympathy and prayers go with you and all of your families. Michaeleen

March 27, 2011

My deepest condolences Kathy to you and your entire family during this difficult time.

Peace and light,

Steven Ellis '85

Cal, Nancy, Alex, Elizabeth Cleveland

March 27, 2011

We have had many wonderful memories spending time with Mike and his family, throughout the 45 years he was married to my sister Charlotte. We'll miss Mike greatly, but will always treasure the memories we shared with him.

Salpointe Catholic High School

March 27, 2011

The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Harris family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.

Charles B. Towner

March 27, 2011

Dear Harris Family: Codolences and prayers as you mourn Mike's death but his gain to eternal life.
(Fr) Charles B. Towner

Judy Munden-Breitengross

March 27, 2011

Mr. Harris was responsible for helping me mold my nursing career and with his encouragement and support I was able to accomplish so much. I am so grateful to him. I always admired him and his family and I send my sympathy and prayers.

Chris Carlin

March 27, 2011

This is very sad news. Tucson has lost one of its greatest humanitarians. My prayers go out to Charlotte and his family. Chris Carlin

Chip and Sandi Harrnigton

March 27, 2011

Mike was truly one of the good guys. He did so much for so many in his various roles over the years. We are honored to have known him and worked with him in several of his life roles. Our deepest sympathy to the family for their loss.

March 27, 2011

We have many fond memories of Mike through the years. A man with a lot of heart, always thinking of others.
Our condolences to Charlotte and the family.
Cathy and John Hufault

TERRY BRACY

March 27, 2011

Mike Harris had a profound effect on everyone who knew him He was one of the most generous and giving men I have ever known. The contributions he quietly made to our community are too numerous to count, but let it be said, when Tucson was in a tight spot -- whether with the threatened closure of DM or the collapsing of our medical system -- Mike Harris was the go- to guy. This year he agreed to lead the United Way campaign in the wake of scandals, a job no one really wanted. Yet, had Mike lived, we know he would have made it a success. Year after year, I suggested that Mike should be named "Man of the year." Yet it never happened becasue he refused to campaign for the honor. Maybe this year, in recognition of a lifetime of service, we can finally extend him this recognition. The old cliche says that we can all be replaced. But there will never again be a Mike Harris. . .Terry Bracy

Garret Abeyta

March 27, 2011

Harris Family -

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I can only imagine the memories of Mike you are sharing and how that is somewhat comforting. He was truly a model for me to be a better husband, father,family member,friend and businessman. He always reminded me of the Dad on Happy Days and my own father.
With a smile on my face I can think of numerous times I have been with Mike on listings and see Mike always working on the listing's landscaping himself. Usually he was cut up from "just getting in there", often bleeding and always wanting to do more! He didn't like a mess!
I will miss his willingness to always make you better, his words of wisdom on life, constructive criticism, breakfast at AJ's, his positions in a debate, his devotion to his friends/family and watching him interact with his grand kids. I will especially miss the humor shared while discussing his strategies and thoughts of the official count (score) on his battle with the Pack Rats.
I will miss you Mike.

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