Harris DVORKIN

DVORKIN, Harris L.
Born April 10, 1941, Calgary, Alberta. Harris was adopted at age five and raised by his maternal grandparents, Rose Elizabeth and David Abraham Dvorkin.
Harris is survived by his wife Lynette Lucas- Dvorkin; daughter Michelle (Missy) McDonald (Kim) and granddaughters Sarah and Nicole McDonald; son David Abraham Dvorkin (Deb) and grandson Dexx Sproule (Sara) and step-granddaughters Jenelle Morad (Tareq), Journey and Javeline Pfeiffer; son Kai Dvorkin; daughter Korina Dvorkin (Victor) and granddaughters Victoria, Katherine, Violet and Lydia Dvorkin; adopted daughter Twylla Tyson and granddaughter Adelita Bell (Hunter); stepsons Truman Henry McIntyre (Julie) and family; Curt McIntyre (Karri) and family; his sister Giselle Mazier and niece Annabella and nephew Esteban Mazier, Ranchman's Cookhouse & Dancehall Inc. family and fur babies Luckas and Myra.
Harris Dvorkin has held a liquor license in the Province of Alberta since 1965. While working as a Leasing Manger for United Management and later Allarco Developments, Harris honed his skills as a restaurant troubleshooter and served as General Manager of the operated the Beachcomber Restaurant in downtown Calgary. Harris's accomplishments at the Beachcomber included creating Alberta's first real nightclub featuring not just dining, but drinking and dancing, and stay later entertainment. Harris assisted in the opening of Oliver's Old Bailey's Restaurants in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary. He was a partner in My Marvin's Delis, and involved in at least thirty other restaurants/clubs (i.e., The Uptown) and numerous business ventures.
Harris, together with his partner, Kevin R. Baker, owned and operated the legendary country restaurant and nightclub Ranchman's Cookhouse & Dancehall Inc. since April, 1972 – unheard of for a nightclub to enjoy a life span of four-and-a-half decades. Harris was co-founder of the Ranchman's Renegades Inc., which produces three PBR professional bull ridings at Ranchman's yearly supporting such charities as Project Warmth Society, Alberta Champions Society and the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.
Harris was one of the founders of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's Cowboy Benefit Fund. He was instrumental in getting the Boy's Steer Riding event included in the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Harris assisted the Ladies Barrel Racers in becoming equal to other major rodeo events and sponsored the Canadian Finals Rodeo Ladies Barrel Racing Championship Bronze and CFR Breast Collars for many years, as well as the Season Leader championship saddles for bull riding and saddle bronc.
Harris was an avid hunter and firearms specialist and motorcycle enthusiast.
Harris was a member of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo Committee (1974 to 1995).
On March 21, 2017, Harris received the Calgary Stampede Life Member designation, the highest honor awarded by Volunteer Services.
Harris was presented the "Forever Champions" bronze by Suzanne inducting him as "Builder" in to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2015.
Harris was awarded a certificate from the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport of rodeo.
In November 2011, Harris received the Alberta Foodservice & Restaurant Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
Harris was awarded the Canadian Food & Restaurant Association – Lifetime Achievement Award.
Harris was honored with a lifetime achievement award by Best Bar None in June 2015, for over four decades of success in the Calgary Hospitality Industry.
Ranchman's has been named Best Bar None – Best Club 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2016/17.
Harris was a founding member of the Alberta Safer Bar Council to establish guidelines for the Hospitality industry.
The City of Calgary and Shell Canada honored Harris with the Silver Spur Award for Contribution to preserving the City's western heritage in 1999.
In 1999, Tourism Calgary awarded Harris the Honorary Doug Johnson Memorial White Hat Award, saluting excellence in the hospitality industry.
The Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) inducted Harris into the Alberta Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ranchman's Cookhouse & Dancehall Inc. has been awarded the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Country Club of the year on ten occasions, including 2016/17.
The State of Tennessee by his Excellency Ray Blanton, Governor, presented to Honorable Harris Dvorkin, whereas, reposting special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor and fidelity, I do by these presents constitute and appoint Colonel Aide de Camp, Governor's Staff to rank, and such from the date of this commission to hold such office under the conditions prescribed by law, given under my hand and the seal of the Stage of Tennessee at the Capital in Nashville, this 2nd of April, year of our Lord 1976.
Harris was a member of the Academy of Country Music as well as C.A.R.A.S. (Juno Awards).
Harris was an active member and honorary Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Chevra Kadisha of Calgary.
Harris was a member of the Calgary B'Nai Brith 1961 to present. He received a citation for 25 years of service in 2001.
Rotary Foundation of Rotary International awarded Harris Dvorkin, hereby named the Paul Harris Fellow in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furthermore of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. Boss Lubricants awarded Harris the Builder Award.
The Bow Valley Chapter of the Harley Owners Group awarded Harris with a Lifetime Membership in 2009.
Harris was a member and shareholder of the Danish Canadian Club (1974 to present).
In May, 2002 Harris completed the Alberta Conservation & Hunter Education Program Instructor course.
In 2003, Harris received a Certificate of appointment as an approved verifier from the R.C.M.P. and Canadian Firearms Registry.
In 2014, Harris received the Province of Alberta Instructor Designation of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course 2004 CFSC – CRFSC Instructor 2004 – 2016 Harris was recognized for his dedication and contribution as a firearms safety course instructor.
Instructor Designation of the Canada in Fire Arms Safety Course Canadian Restricted Firearm Safety Council January 23, 2004.
Alberta Conservation & Hunter Education Program completed instructor course May 2002.
He was acknowledged as a Life Sponsor of both Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.
In 2004 Harris received the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association Lifetime Membership Certification.
Harris was awarded Certified Instructor of the Alberta Fishing Education Program in 2002.
Harris was one of a kind. They broke the mold on this one! Harris will be remembered by his unique dry sense of humor, for his love of hunting, hunting dogs, Harley motorcycles, love of music, the sport of rodeo, and most importantly his family.
Services will be held at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 1325 Glenmore Trail S.W., Calgary. Interment to follow at the Erlton Street Cemetery (Erlton and 32 Ave S.W.). In keeping with the Jewish faith, please no flowers, but rather make a donation in his name to your favorite charity. Chevra Kadisha of Calgary 403-244-4717