Allan Arthur Harris

1951 - 2016

Allan Arthur Harris, 65 years, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in the Toronto General Hospital with his family at his side. Born into a loving family on February 23, 1951, the fourth of eight children of Arthur and Margaret Harris, he was raised in Dorion, Ontario. He graduated from the Lakehead University forestry program in 1972 and gained employment with the MNR in Chapleau, Ontario. After five years, he returned to Thunder Bay where he was hired by Great Lakes Paper Company working in a supervisory capacity. Following that, he had some of his fondest memories working many years for Sturgeon Timber in Dorion. He finished his career with Marcri Logging in Thunder Bay. Allan's dedication and enthusiasm as a supervisor earned him the respect of his fellow workers and peers. He was a generous, loving and devoted husband and father. As a grandfather, nicknamed Grandpa Bub by little Liam, he was always patient and playful. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a good and kind man, putting other's needs before his own. Allan's infectious sense of humour and quick wit made him a true master of puns. His greatest passion was fishing and dragging his brothers to special “hot spots”. Secret lakes were his specialty, and his favourite expression was “I think this one's a pickerel”. He enjoyed watching sports, especially hockey and baseball. As a young man, for many winters, he was team leader on Dorion Trappers; and while working for Great Lakes Paper, he played on their hockey team. One of his favourite hobbies was finding unusual pieces of diamond willow and then refurbishing them into beautiful finished products. As a rock hound, he'd sometimes come home with rare looking rocks, hoping he had discovered a mother-lode. Allan was also an exceptional blueberry picker who not only walked acres scouting out the berries but also picking more than anyone else. Allan is survived by his loving wife Ivanka (Yvonne) of 28 years, son, Shane (Laura), daughter, Allison (Ian); stepchildren, Natalie Brais, Daniel (Christina) Stone, Slade (Heidi) Stone; grandchildren, Nova Stone and Liam and Lucas Stone; mother, Margaret; sister, Betty (Ed) Chambers; brothers, Scott (Helen), Keith (Susan), Don (Margit); sisters-in-law, Debbie Harris, Lee Harris; brother in-law Richard (Doreen) White; mother-in-law Albina Krpan. Uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins also survive. Allan was predeceased by his father, Arthur; sister, Carol Harris White; brothers Ross and Glen. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 11 A.M. at the Dorion Community Centre (school) on Dorion Loop Road with the Rev. Ed Long officiating. Interment of cremains will be in Dorion Mountainside Cemetery. In his memory, friends so wishing, may make donations to the TBRHS Foundation – the Northern Cardiac Fund. Arrangements are in the care of Elliott Funeral Home Ltd., Nipigon.