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Basil Harris Obituary
Born in New York and raised in Rye, New York, he was the eldest son of the late Dr. Basil Harris and Marie Murray Harris.
Basil attended Fairfield Preparatory School, graduated from the University of Toronto, Saint Michael's College, and received his Master of Education degree from the University of New Hampshire. As an educator, he was a founding teacher of The Salisbury School in Maryland, taught locally at Thorntons Ferry School in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and served on the school boards of both Brookline and Hollis, New Hampshire. He later transitioned to the field of high-technology, employed by several companies and working as a consultant within the New Hampshire and Massachusetts region.
He stayed youthful on the golf links and ski slopes and was well-loved for his quick wit and easy humor. He played guitar and sang as cantor for over 20 years at St. John Neumann Catholic Community in Merrimack, New Hampshire, was a music
volunteer for hospice patients and their families in the community, and was an active member of the Hollis-Brookline Rotary Club, where he served as President from 2006 - 2007. His voice touched the lives of many through song and guitar-playing cultivated over a lifetime of passion for music.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Basil Harris, IV and his wife, Gillian Jorgensen, of Seattle, Washington, as well as his daughter, Jesse Harris, and her husband, Alexandre Rolland of Montreal, Québec. He is also survived by three granddaughters, eight brothers and sisters (and predeceased by one sister), 15 in-laws, and 23 nieces and nephews.
A service in celebration of his life will be held in the spring.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor be made to the Hollis Brookline Rotary Club online at http://www.hbrotary.com/Harris_Memoriam.htm or by mail at P.O. Box 1592, Hollis, NH 03049.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Basil Harris
Rev. Benedict (Bill) Churchill
January 13, 2023
Basil is remembered every time I celebrate the Eucharist; so is the family.
Rev. Benedict (Bill) Churchill
February 8, 2017
May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
Danielle Beaudette
January 31, 2017
Basil was an amazing, talented and funny man. I'm grateful for having known him. We will all miss him so much. My prayers are with all of you.
Susan Story
January 26, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Basil. He was a special person to know. May God keep you in his loving care in the days ahead.
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Ken Neidorf
January 24, 2017
I was very sorry to hear of Basil's passing, today. I haven't seen him for decades but he set an example that was impactful on me and so many others that new him. Basil was a mensch, if there ever was one.
Lauryn Witko
January 23, 2017
I am a better person for knowing Basil and was honored to be present for his fine humor and music. What a truly remarkable man.
David Graham
January 20, 2017
I will be forever grateful for knowing Basil. He was a great help to me in a time of need and as sad as I am, I smile when I think of him.
Viv Schupmann
January 20, 2017
Basil touched so many people and always in such a positive way. We will miss him. Rest in peace, Basil.
Jeff Adams
January 19, 2017
Bas was a special human being and will be long remembered. He brought so much good and joy to so many. May he Rest In Peace.
January 19, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers, thoughts, light, and love are with you in this difficult time.
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