Ralph E. Harris

WELLS — Ralph E. Harris, 69, of Wells and The Villages, Fla., and formerly of York, Maine, and South Windsor, Conn., died Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at his home, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Ralph was born June 29, 1940, in Hartford, Conn., son of the late Everett Samuel Harris and Helen (Bjorklund) Harris. He attended schools in West Hartford and Manchester, Conn., and graduated from Windham High School, Class of 1958. He served his country in the Army Reserves.

Ralph worked in the printing industry for several years before becoming co-owner and eventually sole owner of Suburban Printers Inc. in South Windsor. He was a member of the PIA and the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce. He was a member and past president of the South Windsor Rotary Club and served as the district secretary to the district governor. Ralph was involved in humanitarian projects as well as community projects while a member of Rotary and was honored to be a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

In addition to family gatherings, he loved restoring cars, buying new cars and joy-riding around The Villages in Florida on his souped-up golf cart. He also enjoyed landscaping and plush green grass, working the land as well as implementing the design.

After selling his business in South Windsor, Ralph and his wife, Nancy, retired to southern Maine. He worked part-time at the Cat'N Nine Tail General Store where he loved interacting with the customers.

He leaves his wife, Nancy (Tyler) Harris; two sons, Mark A. Harris and his wife, Melissa Wilkens Harris, of West Linn, Ore., and Greg E. Harris and his wife, Jennifer Kearney Harris, of Scituate, Mass.; a sister, Barbara E. Harris, of East Hartford, Conn.; and three precious grandchildren, Camden K. Harris, 7, Grayden E. Harris, 5, and Sumner G. Harris, 3.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his infant daughter, Pamela; his sister, Jule Ann Anvari; and "man's best friend," Mattie.

The family would like to thank Dr. Todd Adams and his staff as well as the Beacon Hospice team for their kind, compassionate care during Ralph's illness.

A memorial celebration of Ralph's life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York, with refreshments following at the Forest Village North Clubhouse in Wells. Those wishing to send memorial contributions in Ralph's memory may do so to The Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York, is directing the arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.