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Andrew Harris Obituary

Andrew Roy Harris Andrew Roy Harris, age 55 of Austin, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at his home surrounded by those that he loved. Andrew was born March 9, 1955, to Aileen Rhoda Estcourt Harris and William Roy Harris in Hayes Middlesex, England. He grew up in Windsor, attended Windsor Grammar School for Boys, and graduated from Lanchester Polytechnic in Coventry with a degree in Accounting. Andrew served as a senior executive with Dell, Inc. and, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of HomeAway.com. Extremely talented and charismatic, Andrew possessed the unique ability to inspire people and organizations to achieve great things and reveled in the many opportunities he had to celebrate and share in their successes. He was universally regarded as a brilliant leader who leaves behind a legacy rich with the stories of people whose careers and lives were forever changed by his guidance, counsel, wisdom and support. Andrew had a love for sport and was an outstanding rugby player throughout his youth and college years. He was also an avid and accomplished alpine skier who enjoyed heli-skiing in Canada and backcountry skiing in the US and Europe. He loved nature, travel and experiencing the many wonders that this world has to offer. Despite living in his adopted country for over twenty years, his love for all things British endured. To know Andrew was to understand that his repeated, and ultimately futile, attempts to have an English garden under the Texas sun were not only a testament to his love of England and nature but also vintage Andrew -- the eternal optimist who believed that all things are possible. Andrew was a man of great character, integrity, sincerity and humor. He was charming and gracious to everyone he met and placed far more value in the friendships and relationships he built, and the lives he touched, than on any material accounting of his life's successes. Andrew was a great husband, father, son, brother and friend who lived the fullest of lives and leaves us with a love, respect and admiration for him that the passage of time will never diminish. Andrew is survived by his wife, Lisa Harris; daughters, Sarah Alexandra (Alix), and Natalie Kathryn; sister, Christine Una Deykin; and brother, Gordon Keith Harris. A Tribute to the Extraordinary Life of Andrew R. Harris will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at the Smith Family Chapel at Riverbend Church, 4214 North Capital of Texas Highway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Andrew to A Glimmer of Hope at: www.ourglimmerofhope.org/ AndrewHarris.. http://www.ourglimmerofhope.org/AndrewHarris

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jun. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Harris

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Pauline and Alan Ward

July 3, 2010

With great shock and sadness, I found out late last night on the internet about Andy, and Al and I are devastated. We went to college with Andy on the same degree course, he was one of our group.
You could always guarantee a smile from him and his trademark low chuckle was infectious. I was really chuffed to see that he did well in Business, and am very pleased to see that he found happiness in a loving family.
I sent off a note to others from the group last night,but they may not get it in time to write in this book.
May I say on their behalf therefore that Andy was one of the few genuine good guys in this world. That he is gone leaves me with such an empty feeling that it is too hard to explain.
I can only cling to the memories of those college days, like joining with him and the Rugby Club boys to sing 'Sloop John B' around a bonfire at a party that ran long into the night; or about 4 or 5 years after college,meeting him in Richmond by chance one lunch break from my job at Shell, and getting the biggest hug ever, and of course one of those smiles.
He really was such a lovely guy. Everyone says that on occasions like these, but in this case the world has lost someone special.
Our loving thoughts go out to his family. We will miss you.

Alan & Lindsey Byron

June 29, 2010

Andrew , you will be greatly missed.Our thoughts and condolences to Lisa, and daughters Natalie and Alix, also - brother Gordon and sister Christine.I have great memories of the early days spent together at primary school in Old Windsor and more recent times at family gatherings.We always enjoyed being in his company.He will be remembered for his sense of humour,charismatic personality,caring nature and modesty.A truly terrific person. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

June 23, 2010

My thoughts and condolences to Lisa for her loss. I never met Andrew but know he was greatly loved and will be missed.

Dave Weston

June 9, 2010

It is with a heavy heart that I sit to write this brief note to Lisa and the rest of Andrew's family and friends. I did not know Andrew like most of you did. I knew him through his wife Lisa, who has been a dear friend since high school. I was reminded to drink in the joy of life and to live life to its fullest through her stories of Andrew and her travels and love for one another. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

June 9, 2010

We extend our sincerest condolences to you, Lisa. We were fortunate to have met Andrew once at Dave's funeral. Leanne often mentioned him, too--what a wonderful person he was and the love of your life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls. Lorraine and Joe

Rick Germani

June 9, 2010

I remember Andrew with great affection, especially his sense of humor that was very helpful during Dell's early chaotic growth years. My condolences to his family at their great loss.

Ella Havard-Fitzbag

June 9, 2010

I am sorry to hear about Andrew. Everything in the obit was exact. He touched the hearts and lives of many people. I knew Andrew at Dell. Ella Havard Fitzbag

John Ellett

June 8, 2010

I'm so sad that one of the really great guys I worked with in the early days of Dell lost his fight with cancer. Though I never worked in his organization, Andrew was always kind, cheerful and encouraging to me. He was a true gentlemen, yet had a sense of humour that always sounded funnier in his British accent. We'll miss you Andrew!

Glyn Meek

June 8, 2010

Andrew, you will be missed by many, especially we fellow Brits who lived in Texas!

Andrew gave me MY start at Dell and in Austin as his VP of International IT in 1989, and changed my life forever with this opportunity. He was quintessentially English with his mastery of sarcasm, his ability to see the humor in everything and his ability to use just the right words at just the right moments.

As his obituary correctly states, he was amazingly charismatic, with a winning smile. He was indeed a brilliant and inspirational business man. He was indeed incredibly successful both at Dell and with every other company with which he was involved. He was indeed an accomplished sportsman...but for me at least, he was a fellow Englishman, a friend and an all round great man.

He will be missed...Andrew, rest peacefully until we can all join you for a round of beers!

Jon Wright

June 8, 2010

I also had the privilege of working with Andrew in the early Dell International days. Andrew was a savvy and inspiring leader, whom I (and many others) respected greatly. Rest in peace, Andrew!

Vilma & Gang @ Spinal Rehab, P.A.

June 8, 2010

Lisa, we are so sad to hear about Andrew's passing. He was a great person to be around and his smile and wonderful spirit will be missed. I will continuously pray for GOD's peace and comfort for you and your family.

Denise Fraser

June 8, 2010

I will Andrew's smile and humor. He was fun to work with...he always had something witty to say. He kept us all on our toes. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Debra Crump

June 8, 2010

Lisa, you and the girls are in out thoughts and prayers. Andrew must have been an amazing man. I am sure your life together was a blessing to you all.

Erin Dudley Lester

June 8, 2010

Lisa, I never had the pleasure of meeting Andrew...but knowing how happy he made you feel...I know he was a truly wonderful great man. My heartfelt sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Amy Baker

June 8, 2010

Wayne and I had the privilege of working with Andrew in the early days of Dell international, and his leadership furthered my husband's love of the world way beyond Austin. Andrew was truly a great leader. Our sincerest condolences.

Laura Sullivan

June 8, 2010

I am forever grateful for our wonderful night together in NYC. Andrew was a perfect fit for my dear friend Lisa, funny, smart, warm. We had alot of laughs that night. Memories to always treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls always, especially today. Besos y amor siempre. xox Laura

Laura Sullivan

June 8, 2010

I am forever grateful for our wonderful night together in NYC. Andrew was a perfect fit for my dear friend Lisa, funny, smart, warm. We had alot of laughs that night. Memories to always treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls always, especially today. Besos y amor siempre. xox Laura

Liza Miran Ridgway

June 7, 2010

Lisa -- so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that you are surrounded by the love of your family, friends, and faith. After reading all the comments, I missed knowing a truly wonderful man!

Ben Danielson

June 7, 2010

Andrew was inspirational in mentoring & founding Dell's International business. He helped establish Dell in more than 30 countries & touched all of our lives with his guidance & care. It was fun Andrew - We'll miss you!

Steve Spilker

June 7, 2010

I first met Andrew in March of 1987. It was during employee orientation for a small computer company named PC’S Limited. Andrew and I were the only new employees that day, so just the two of us attended. It was during that brief orientation we realized we also had the same boss –Lee Walker. Later that evening, Andrew, Lee, Michael, and I spent several hours together talking about the business. I knew then I would be working with some really smart people.

Later in the week, I offered to take Andrew to dinner and introduce him to Texas cuisine. I suggested we go to the Salt Lick in Driftwood and get barbeque. When I picked him up at the hotel, he was wearing a nice pair of slacks and a white polo dress shirt. I don’t think Andrew owned a pair of jeans. When Andrew asked what I recommended, I suggested the ribs. This is the only time I’ve seen someone attempt to eat bbq ribs with a knife and fork. I know people were looking at us thinking, “that man is not from around here.” This didn’t seem to bother Andrew, nor did the fact his white shirt was splattered with bbq sauce. I knew then some day Andrew would become a naturalized Texan.

Of the many projects Andrew and I worked on together, none was more complicated or sophisticated than what was known internally as Marketing Database System. Several months into the project, Andrew met with me and said he wanted to bring in an outside consultant to help with the specifications. I suggested it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find someone with the required skills and knowledge. Then he introduced me to Brian Sharples, and I knew Andrew had an eye for talent.

Over the last 20 years, I often saw Andrew on the hike and bike trail. I would be running, he would be walking. Andrew knew I was a competitive, long distance runner. When I challenged him to put on his running shoes and see if he could keep up, he told me he wasn’t interested in marathons. He was a rugby player, conditioned for short distance speed running. He was confident he could beat me in a 100 yard dash. In the back of my mind, I thought he might be right. He said the next time he saw me, we should walk over to the Austin High School track and race. Six years ago, when I again saw him on the trail, he told me he had been diagnosed with cancer and was to be treated at MD Anderson. After that though, he would be ready to race. I knew then Andrew was an eternal optimist.

Yes, Andrew was smart, sophisticated, and competitive. But what I enjoyed most about Andrew was his smile, wit, and humor. I know now I will miss that very much

June 7, 2010

Words do not due justice to express Sympathy and condolences to Lisa and the girls regarding Andrew. The man is a true legacy and will be greatly missed. I am honored to have known and spent time with him. Blessings to the family and all my prayers~ Love, leanne

andy lark

June 7, 2010

Andrew was as brilliant and inspirational as is said here. He will be deeply missed by all.

Hill Country Care Providers

June 7, 2010

Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

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