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Philip Newman Harris
1923 - 2011
Philip Newman Harris
1923 - 2011
Obituary
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Philip Harris Obituary
Born February 27, 1923, in Old Town, he was the son of Frank E. and Sybil M. (Vincent) Harris. He was a graduate of Old Town High School, served in the United States Coast Guard, and graduated from Husson College and the University of Maine.
He was married to Ruth E. Getchell for 57 years. They made their home in Brewer, then in Madison and Skowhegan, where he taught and coached until 1960. He then became principal at Williams High School in Oakland for three years and returned to Skowhegan as assistant principal and principal until his retirement in 1980.
He was a member of the State Principals' Association, NEA, MTA, Past President of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Association, and a member of the Euclid Lodge of Masons, Madison.
He is survived by three daughters: Gretchen Ramsay and husband Scott of York Harbor and Bonita Springs, Florida, Jackie Stoutamyer and husband Frank of South Paris, and Becky Vaillancourt and husband Dick of Brunswick; eight grandchildren: Todd Stoutamyer and wife Sheila of Illinois, Jill Houghton and husband Lonnie of Gorham, Alison Heath and husband Chad of California, Rachael Duffy and husband Don of South Portland, Jeffrey Ramsay of California, Libby Hunt and husband Kevin of Harpswell, Alan Vaillancourt of South Portland, and Steve Vaillancourt of Topsham; twelve great-grandchildren: Ryan and Ross Stoutamyer, Cole and Cady Houghton, Riley, Braden, and Daphne Heath, Julia, Colin, and Maeve Duffy, and Mason and Hannah Hunt; a sister, Barbara Hatch of New York; a brother Bill Harris of Arizona and Oregon; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Ruth; sisters Cora Burrows, Kate Dow, Marjorie Baynard, Lois White; brothers Roy, Frank, Charlie, Robert, and Pat.
Viewing hours will be held on Monday January 10, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A private funeral service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philip N. and Ruth E. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, Skowhegan Area High School, Attn: Jane Bigelow, 140 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharon Clark-Gruber
January 27, 2011
Dear Gretchen, Jackie and Beckie - I taught with Phil in both Madison and Skowhegan. And perhaps you may remember that while teaching at SHS and SJHS, I had such a happy year living with your family. That was many years ago but the memories of Phil and Ruth and you girls is wonderfully clear. It was always a joy on our visits to Maine to visit with Phil and Ruth, and then Phil, and find out how you girls were. They were so very proud of you and your families. Hugs to you all.
Faylene (Peters) Hay
January 25, 2011
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr.Harris. It will not be the same going home and not being able to visit with him. It was always so fun to visit and talk about life as it was when I was his student. I always gave him credit for my ability to move up in banking. I once shared with him and Ruth an experience I had when I had only been in banking a few years. I was at a Seminar with bankers from many states in the western part of the country. About 10 of us were having lunch and someone suggested going around the table and sharing how we got into banking and were we attended school. As others were sharing what colleges they graduated from (I didn't recognize all of them), I kept thinking please don't come to me but no such luck. When it was my turn, I answered within a heart beat that I attended the "Phil Harris School of Business". No one questioned me and I did not feel that I was lying as Mr. Harris was the one that instilled in me the love of accounting. He just laughed but never forgot it. He would ask me many times over the years "How is my school doing?". He was an amazing person to know and shall never be forgotten. He may be gone from this earth but now has rejoined the love of his life, Ruth. Memories are the greatest gift given to us as it always keeps loved one close to our hearts. May all the special memories he created with his family sustain them always. I know that I will never forget mine.
Take care and God Bless...
Joyce (Demo)Shaw
January 19, 2011
So saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Harris.. I will never forget typing class when he used to walk around the room as we were typing & yell:"Throw that carriage" It would jump me out of my skin every time! So funny.
He remained a friend long after High school to many students, & never for got your name!!
May he rest in peace
Amy Signor
January 18, 2011
So sorry to hear this news. I have many summer memories of him in York Hahbah. He was always up and about early with a smile on his face. I loved looking at the photos. Surely he is entertaining all of Heaven now, and happy to be back with his beloved. Thinking of all of you, sending hugs from South Georgia.
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January 15, 2011
Gretchen, Jackie, Becky and families:
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's death. My years at Skowhegan High School (1964-1968)were so very enjoyable, due, in large part, to the fact that your dad was a very effective and caring principal.
In later years, I always admired the relationship he and your mom had; they were each other's best friends and obviously so much in love. And how they loved to dance!
My heart goes out to all of you.
Pat Lapointe
June & Richard Washburn
January 14, 2011
Gretchen, Jackie, Becky and your families:
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. The town has loss a favorite son, a good father and grandfather, a nice man and a great principal.
Your father was like family to all of his faculty. His leadership made us work hard without realizing it. We were a happy faculty, working together which created an environment for the students to succeed.
Teachers who taught under Mr. Harris were very fortunate. He encouraged dedication and innovation, as well as, guiding his department chairpeople through a process of decision making that only he could do so successfully.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the wonderful memories of your father comfort you.
January 14, 2011
we are so sorry to hear of Phils death. He was a wonderful teacher and someone we looked up to. We will miss him at our madison reunions. He is now with the love of his life Ruth.Our condolences to his family. Dick and Jeannete Wallace.
Sonny Godin
January 13, 2011
Im so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Harris. Not only was he a great principal.He was a great neighbor and friend to the Godins that live next door. My prays go out to the family at this time
January 12, 2011
I remember Phil as a wonderful Principal of Skowhegan Area High School. His message over the intercom, "Do not sit on the convectors" will always remain with me! As soon as he came on, we all knew what he was going to say!
I think he always remembered all his past students names. I was fortunate enough to see him on most of my visits back to Maine and always took the time to sit down to talk to him. Love the guy.
Condolences to his family and friends.
He is with Ruth now.
God Bless
Gloria Gordon
Doni-Mae (Brough) Rauch
January 12, 2011
Thornton Wilder wrote: "The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude." And so I was saddened when I learned of Mr. Harris's passing, but also grateful to count myself among those students to have learned from his gracious example in the corridors and classrooms at Skowhegan Area High School. Having recently lost a parent myself, my heart can understand your anguish. May all the thoughts and prayers coming your way at this time ease some of the pain.
Jo Godin
January 12, 2011
My sympathy to the Harris family in their loss....many cherished memories of a life well-lived. He touched so many of us in his lifetime.
LINDA DUNBAR
January 12, 2011
Skowhegan has lost a very wonderful man! No matter when I saw Mr. Harris-he always stopped to talk to me and always made me feel special. Was in hopes that he would be our surprise guest at our 40th reunion at SAHS this summer-everytime I'd see him, I'd remind him it was coming up. He was a very special person to many people-he will be greatly missed!
January 11, 2011
Our sincere condolences to Phil's family. He was a wonderful man - teacher, coach, and friend. I babysat for him & Ruth for those little girls when I was in high school and attended a nice lunch-get together in Skow. this past summer. It was always fun talking to him about high school days. He will be greatly missed. Connie (MacDonald) Maillet North Port, Florida
Evelyn&Steve Ireland
January 10, 2011
We are very sad to hear of Mr. Harris passing.We often would see him in the restaurant and talk about being our principal.He was a very nice man and will be greatly missed
Tom & Gen Slason
January 10, 2011
I do recall visiting Skowhegan, tossing the football and as my brother Don said the firmest handshake ever. Sorry for your loss.
Sara Poulin
January 10, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Harris' passing. I met him two years ago as a waitress at Cacciatore's Restaurant in Waterville. We met just two weeks after my grandfather's passing and developed a very special friendship. Over the past two years we've swapped stories about our own feelings of loss and shared stories about the joys of our families. In the short time I have known him, I have been touched by his influential friendship, love and devotion to his family, kindness, and zest for life. I only wish I had known him longer. My heart is heavy with the loss of Mr. Harris, yet lightened with a glow of joy knowing he is with his Ruth. Please know you are all in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Evelyn Slason
January 9, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend of almost 60 years.'Tho separated by distance , we remained close in heart and spirit. Phils's warmth, kindness, interest in our children, optimism and love of the game...'specially those Yankees...were gifts to us which we treasure. We're blessed to have had him as a friend and have many happy memories of time shared with hime and Ruth.
Our sympathy, love and prayers to all.
Evelyn and Gene
Don Slason
January 9, 2011
Sorry for your loss. I'll always remember that strong handshake and his warm smile.
Evelyn Gobstein
January 9, 2011
We are saddened to hear of Phil's passing. He and Ruth were wonderful friends to my parents, Eugene and Evelyn Slason, and to us, their five children. He was full of laughter, kindness, and had an generous spirit. We would always look forward to their overnight visits to Connecticut, en route to Florida. Being an educator and a school principal myself, Phil and I would have a lot of "stories" to share. I will also miss his sports coversatiions with my dad, with the latest commentaties on the games/records of the current football, basketball, or baseball teams. I know that he is now at peace, in heaven, sharing his laughter, his heart/love, and his kind positive spirit with others.
Evelyn Slason Gobstein
Middlebury, CT
January 9, 2011
WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HERE OF THE PASSING OF PHIL,HE WAS ONE OF MY TEACHERS IN SKOWHEGAN,AND ALSO MY FAVORITE BASKETBALL COACH WE WILL MISS HIM DEARLY
JIM & SANDY CASTLE
Edith Whitney Smith
January 8, 2011
Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I send my condolences to the family. He was a fine and influencial man. God be with you all.
Ray Spruce
January 8, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was a good teacher; he'll be missed. My late wife, Jane White, and I were in his high school class. Over the years, we always enjoyed running into him.
January 8, 2011
We share your sadness following Phil's passing, but will remember him always. He will be in our thoughts every July fourth, and when the summer strawberries come in. We will always remember his spirit, enthusiasm for life, dancing blue eyes and endless love of Ruth and his family. We will re-tell his stories and smile, knowing that he would have told them better.
Please know that you are all in out thoughts.
Susan and George Knaysi
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183 Madison Ave, Skowhegan, ME 04976
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