Robert’s Obituary
HARRIS, Robert Lester (MB)
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Lester Harris (MB) of Berwick, Nova Scotia. Born in Bear River, Nova Scotia, on June 16th, 1944, our beloved Bob departed this world peacefully surrounded by his brother Gary, wife Joan and son Keith in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, on Thursday, August 12th, 2021.
Bob was a well-known and admired member of the community for his tremendous efforts in volunteering and fundraising with the Berwick & District Lions Club. Always willing to help anyone in need, he drove countless miles over the years to ferry people to airports, hospitals, and beyond. Bob loved to drive (fast), and with wife Joan by his side, travelled extensively on adventures across Europe and North America. Bob was jolly with a twinkle in his eye, but a terrible tease, especially to his nieces Heather and Karen, sister-in-law Carol, and daughters-in-law Janice and Shannon, all who patiently endured his puns, double entendres and the like. An avid wood worker, he spent many happy hours in his workshop on projects for community, family, and friends. Bob left his mark in Berwick and his good deeds and kind works will be remembered for years to come. He leaves a hole in the hearts of many who knew him. For those who loved him, the depth of this loss is unfathomable. Stepsons David and Keith have lost both a best friend and father in Bob. Grandsons Jamie and Dylan lose Grandpa Bob.
With over 30 plus years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Sergeant Harris was twice decorated for acts of valour. Bob was awarded the Medal of Bravery (MB) in 1972 for actions taken in December 1966, rescuing his comrade from the flames of an overturned fuel truck forced off the road during a Quebec snowstorm. He was seriously injured in the accident, sustaining 3rd degree burns to his head, hands and face, and spent a full year recovering. Amazingly, he was again commended for exceptional service in 1976, with a Chief of Defense Staff Commendation for courageously crawling beneath a burning munitions truck to extinguish a fire while on exercise in Shilo, Manitoba. Let us raise a final salute to one of Canada’s finest soldiers.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 42 years the former Joan Milligan; stepsons, David (Janice) and Keith (Shannon); step grandsons, James and Dylan; brother, Gary (Carol); nieces, Heather (Chris) and Karen (Thomas) and his great nephews and niece, (Oliver, Fergus, Finlay and Aila). He was predeceased by his parents, Lila and John Harris.
Funeral to be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 23rd, in Christ Anglican Church, 238 Commercial St., Berwick, with Rev. Mel Malton officiating.Due to pandemic gathering restrictions, there will be limited seating, masking, social distancing, and hand sanitizing are required.Interment in St. Mary’s Anglican Cemetery, Auburn.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Berwick & District Lions Club. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. For those unable to attend the service there will be a livestreaming of the service available at 10:55 a.m., Monday, August 23, ADT by selecting the ‘livestream’ option at the top of the funeral home webpage. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Lester Harris June 16 1944 August 12 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia