Gerald Eade Harris, aka Gerry or Papa, passed away at the Elk Valley Hospital on July 11, 2019 after a lengthy illness.
He was born on November 27, 1936, at Vancouver, BC, to Charles and Hazel Harris, who also had 8 other children. The family moved to Barriere, BC where Gerry met his future bride, Rochelle Ross, and they were married on December 26, 1956.
Gerry and Rochelle raised their family in Barriere, until they relocated to Fernie in 1971, and settled in the South Country one year later. They purchased their acreage in Baynes Lake in 1977, which was fondly referred to as «the Farm».
Gerry was a hardworking, loyal, generous, and trusting soul. He regularly helped people out and was known to provide meals and a place to sleep to many people down on their luck.
He had a great sense of humour, strong opinions, an amazing memory, and could tell a good story.
He was a «Jack-of-all-Trades», worked in the forest industry, coal mines, and was a Superintendent with Horizon Forest Products.
He was known for his incredible strength and strong will.
Gerry and Rochelle started the Baynes Lake Store, Tack Shop, and Sweet Road Café in Baynes Lake. They appreciated their many customers, and especially the little ones who always enjoyed their free treats.
In his spare time, he liked milking cows, raising Arabian horses, riding, the barnyard critters, fishing, road trips, woodwork, metal work, and attending all functions and sporting events for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He regularly created jobs for his grandchildren, and always had a $5.00 bill for them. He loved them all dearly and was quick to boast about them.
Gerry is survived by the love of his life of 62 years, Rochelle, his daughters Shelley (Kim) Farrow, and Debbie (Bob) Porter, son Greg (Pennee) Harris, 11 grandchildren: Raynie, Kristie, Corrie, Andrew, Sam, Brad, Joe, Jennifer, Jamie, Tyson and Bailee, 15 great grandchildren: Landon, Sumer, Kylie, Corbin, Ryder, Dusty, Riley, Devyn, Bennett, Alex, Max, Jax, Kash, Cooper, and Garrett as well as his brother, Rod Harris of Rocky Mountain House, AB.
He was predeceased by his oldest son, Randy Harris, his youngest son, Maxime Harris, his parents Charlie and Hazel Harris, 7 brothers and sisters: Fred Audrey, Sheila, June, Bill, Marlene and Pat.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and will be greatly missed by friends and family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gerald Eade HARRIS November 27 1936 July 11 2019 (age 82)..
cherished memoriesfuneral service
Décès pour la Ville: Fernie, Province: Colombie britanique