KEITH HARRIS

Keith Reginald Harris, aka "Tootsie" 72 years of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Keith was born and raised in Dorion with his parents and seven siblings. He moved to Thunder Bay briefly in the early 1970's after meeting his lovely wife Susan, and somehow convinced her to move to Dorion a few years later where they started their family. They built their dream home at Stewart Lake and later moved to Thunder Bay in 2010 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

He started his career working in the bush camps in various positions and then went on to start his own woodland companies Sturgeon Timber Ltd. and Fibretech Ltd. (in Dorion) with his cousin John Harris. They brought prosperity and growth to the town and gainfully employed many local people, giving them great jobs close to home.

Keith had a love of adventure and life was never boring whenever he was around; always coming up with new ideas and fun things to do with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face. He was also an amazing storyteller and would have you captivated from beginning to end, as if you were living the experience yourself. His incredible sense of humor brought a smile to everyone he met, and he kept us laughing right up to his final hours.

You could always count on Keith to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, at any given moment; no questions asked. He was a selfless man, never wanting the spotlight or any fuss over him; and with a compassionate soul he enjoyed life to the fullest finding joy in making others happy. His heart was so full it's no wonder it eventually gave out at the end.

Tootsie loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and explorer. Some of his fondest memories were the numerous fishing trips he shared with his friends and family. He also had a love for sports, both watching and playing. Recently, he spent many nights in the hospital watching the Jays games with his brother Donny, sister Betty and wife Susan which was always a bright spot in his days.

Family was everything to Tootsie and he was so very proud of his children, his sons-in-law, and grandchildren whom he adored. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family telling stories, sharing jokes and good food. He was an amazing husband and an incredible father and grandfather, giving his family so many wonderful experiences. Life with Tootsie was simply the best. He also shared a close bond with his siblings, nieces and nephews, and had many friends who he thought of as family.

He will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him, and we will take comfort in the memories, stories, and adventures. He may have been small in stature, but he lived larger than life.

Keith is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Kerri (George Wilson), Mandy Wright (Ryan), Lindsay McLenehan (Mike), grandchildren Brenna & Brody Bohonos, Paige & Grace Wilson, Mackenna & Kehl Wright, Will & Elowyn McLenehan, mother-in-law Bunny Dornan, sister Betty Chambers (Ed), brother Don Harris (Margit), brothers-in-law Richard White, Peter Gacuk, Gary Squier, Blair Dornan, sisters-in-law Yvonne Harris, Debbie Harris, Lee Harris, Sharon Gacuk, Lori Squier, Debbie Dornan, Kathy Dornan, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We will miss him terribly. He is pre-deceased by his parents Arthur & Margaret Harris, brothers Ross, Glen, Allan, Scott, sister Carol White, sister-in-law Helen Harris, brothers-in-law Bruce & Barry Dornan, father-in-law Frank Dornan and grandson Dawson Wright.

A celebration of life will take place at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:00pm with reception to follow. Those wishing to view the services online may do so through the Sargent & Son Facebook page.

A special thank you to the TBRHSC Cardiac & Renal services and to the staff at St. Joseph's Care Group for your continued care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

The family would also like to encourage anyone who wants to share a memory or story of Keith to please email kharris6050@outlook.com. If hand-written communication is preferred, there will be a memory basket at the celebration of life for cards/letters as the family will be creating a memory book. A life this magnificent is a true work of art.

I would like the memory of me to be a happy one, I would like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I would like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I would like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when my life is done. (Author Unknown)