BOX 716 1010 – 7TH STREET ROSTHERN, SASKATCHEWAN
TELEPHONE: 306-232-5245 (24 HRS)
Tribute Wall
Saturday
21
October
MEMORIAL SERVICE
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Tiefengrund Mennonite Church
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RM of Rosthern, near Laird, Saskatchewan, Canada
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The O'Neill Family lit a candle
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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The O’Neill family is deeply saddened by the loss of Chris. Our most heartfelt sympathy to the Harris Family, Katrina, Lauchie, and Conall. Spending our summers in Ben Eoin at our family bungalow over the years we developed a close friendship with such wonderful neighbors, the Harris Family. Between the O’Neill and Campbell Families we will carry with us so many fond memories of our summers in Ben Eoin spending time with Chris, his sisters, Guy & Cathy. Such memories as spending hot summer days swimming at the shore with Chris, Anne, Colleen, and Jeanette. We will forever cherish our summer memories that we had with Chris and knowing him has been a privilege and he will be sadly missed. During this difficult time may all of you find solace and strength in all the shared memories of Chris that will forever remain close in our hearts.
May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss,
Love The O’Neill Family
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Carmella Campbell & family lit a candle
Friday, November 10, 2023
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We were saddened to hear about the passing of Chris. We will forever remember spending time with Chris and his entire family during the summer months at the O’Neill’s bungalow, having the best of times together. We are grateful for these shared memories of Chris and know how deeply he will be missed. As life progresses, we unfortunately loose touch with people who have entered our lives in the past, however, when our parents would see one another the entire conversation would be “catching up on” our family’s for a brief moment. At this time we would like to express our sincere sympathy to all of you on this great loss of Chris. We hope peace and comfort embrace you all during this difficult time.
With love and condolences,
Carmella, Peter, Karen, Marie & Patsy Campbell
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Keith and Lynn Maher posted a condolence
Sunday, November 5, 2023
We have been blessed during our life in Ben Eoin to have the Harris family as our neighbours. Chris, Anne and Colleen were our first baby sitters. Chris, over the years, proved to be a wonderful role model to our boys. We will cherish our memories and hope that your memories will help you through this most difficult time. Our love and prayers
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Randy Martell posted a condolence
Friday, October 27, 2023
I knew Chris as a young fellow. He was a very good childhood friend of my brother Tim. Chris was always pleasant and wearing a smile. I was trying to think of a story for the family and one comes to mind. We were all in our teen years. One day I was out in the backwoods of East Bay on an old road that connected to Ben Eion and beyond. I was on my motorcycle which gave me so much freedom to explore the back country. It was where I felt most at peace, in the woods on my bike driving and exploring, always loving the fresh scents of the forrest. A mixture of spruce, fir, leaves and moss that I long for even to this day. Along that road I was driving I looked up and saw coming towards me Kirt McMaster, Jamie McQueen, and of course Chris. We stopped chatted and decided to go on an adventure. I took them to places out behind East Bay that I knew of that I thought they would enjoy. We traveled back to the Glen Morrison road in East Bay. Took them to places I knew, little paths through the woods that connected roads. Through Dan Vincent & Barney's beautiful field past their house that by that time lay empty with their passing. Out back roads tothe power line where we tried our luck on going through a bog. None of us suceeded from what I remember. I do remember having to clean the bog out of the air breather on my bike so major fail on my part. Chris I believe was on a two wheel bike like myself. Kirt and Jamie had more luxurious rides. 4 wheelers in those days were a relatively new thing. I took them to a 2 storey log cabin off the beaten path. They enjoyed that. Then we headed back. I followed them back to Kirts place they took me along a path that was literally partly in the Bras D'or lake that ran behind Chris' parents property and came out at the McMaster property. When we all arrived at just about dark Guy, and Sheldon were very concerned about their boys but glad to see them safe at home. After some parental grumbling all was well and I know They all enjoyed the adventure as much as I did. It was too dark and I was too tired to drive back to East Bay through the back roads so I took a short cut home! That was a memory of a time with Chris that always makes me smile. We had lots of fun in the country in those years. This being one small moment in time. Will miss Chris even though I have not seen him in 35 years. Your childhood friends always seem so close. Rest in Peace Dear Friend and thank you for the good memories that day.
To the Harris family and all extended families you are suffering a great loss. My heart and Prayers are with you all. I will pray for all of you through this time. God bless you all.
Randy Martell
New Waterford
Formerly from East Bay
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Owen Zomer posted a condolence
Friday, October 27, 2023
One time Mr. Harris baked an apple crisp just for me. I got to stay in at recess to eat it.
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Owen Zomer posted a condolence
Friday, October 27, 2023
Mr. Harris was one of my favourite teachers during my time at Laird School.
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Randy Martell posted a condolence
Friday, October 27, 2023
Friday, October 27, 2023
I knew Chris as a young fellow. He was a very good childhood friend of my brother Tim. Chris was always pleasant and wearing a smile. I was trying to think of a story for the family and one comes to mind. We were all in our teen years. One day I was out in the backwoods of East Bay on an old road that connected to Ben Eion and beyond. I was on my motorcycle which gave me so much freedom to explore the back country. It was where I felt most at peace, in the woods on my bike driving and exploring, always loving the fresh scents of the forrest. A mixture of spruce, fir, leaves and moss that I long for even to this day. Along that road I was driving I looked up and saw coming towards me Kirt McMaster, Jamie McQueen, and of course Chris. We stopped chatted and decided to go on an adventure. I took them to places out behind East Bay that I knew of that I thought they would enjoy. We traveled back to the Glen Morrison road in East Bay. Took them to places I knew, little paths through the woods that connected roads. Through Dan Vincent & Barney's beautiful field past their house that by that time lay empty with their passing. Out back roads tothe power line where we tried our luck on going through a bog. None of us suceeded from what I remember. I do remember having to clean the bog out of the air breather on my bike so major fail on my part. Chris I believe was on a two wheel bike like myself. Kirt and Jamie had more luxurious rides. 4 wheelers in those days were a relatively new thing. I took them to a 2 storey log cabin off the beaten path. They enjoyed that. Then we headed back. I followed them back to Kirts place they took me along a path that was literally partly in the Bras D'or lake that ran behind Chris' parents property and came out at the McMaster property. When we all arrived at just about dark Guy, and Sheldon were very concerned about their boys but glad to see them safe at home. After some parental grumbling all was well and I know They all enjoyed the adventure as much as I did. It was too dark and I was too tired to drive back to East Bay through the back roads so I took a short cut home! That was a memory of a time with Chris that always makes me smile. We had lots of fun in the country in those years. This being one small moment in time. Will miss Chris even though I have not seen him in 35 years. Your childhood friends always seem so close. Rest in Peace Dear Friend and thank you for the good memories that day.
To the Harris family and all extended families you are suffering a great loss. My heart and Prayers are with you all. I will pray for all of you through this time. God bless you all.
Randy Martell
New Waterford
Formerly from East Bay
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Owen Zomer posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Mr. Harris was my teacher in Grades 6, 7,and 8, from 2017 to 2020. In Grades 6 and 7 I participated in curling and he sometimes dropped me off and picked me up at my house. On Tuesday, January 29, 2019, when he dropped me off after practice, My Dad and Step-Mom we’re moving cows from outside into the barn, and cows were running down the driveway. He moved the cows up the driveway with his truck, and they got the cows in the barn. My Step-Mom said that he saved the cows from walking off the yard.
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Shannon Begrand posted a condolence
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Chris, what can I say. I have learned a lot from working with you over the years. You where always willing to help me out; from tech issues to raising boys, you had the answers. Maybe you just made it up but it always sounded good. I will think of you each report card I write, Christmas concert season and when my classroom heat fluctuates! Until we meet again Mr. Harris ❤️
Katrina, Lauchie and Conall. There are no words. I am keeping you in my thoughts, prayers and send you my deepest sympathy.
Shannon (Mrs. B)
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Sharon posted a condolence
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Chris was my kids' favorite teacher but he was also the Laird mayor for awhile. My husband and I had some questions about something to do with the village and Chris stopped in to give me the answers. He sat at my kitchen table, we discussed the issue, then went on to chat about many other things. I really appreciated the time he took to deal it. I will always remember him as a good man.
My sincere condolences to Katrina, Lauchie, and Connell.
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LAUCHIE Mackinnon uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 22, 2023
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There isn’t one particular moment that stands out in my friendship with Chris. It has been a series of encounters since we first met in our first year. Our friendship has grown and blossomed throughout our 30s and 40s. Chris had a way of helping me overcome my self-doubt. I attended more concerts with Chris than with anyone else, even though I initially disliked going to concerts. He would ask, and I would go. His kindness and generosity were always understated, never intended to make the receiver feel indebted to Chris. He was a thoughtful, caring friend who willingly shared his life and took the time to listen to yours. We will miss him dearly.
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Judy MacDonald posted a condolence
Sunday, October 22, 2023
I went to school with Chris from elementary to high school. Throughout school Chris was always a person of character, one of the good guys. Some people change depending on who is around or the circumstances they are in. He was always the same, kind and with a good wit, intelligent and a hard worker and always humble Sincere condolences to the Harris families at this terribly sad time after such a tremendous loss.
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Eileen Hartigan-Drohan lit a candle
Sunday, October 22, 2023
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Guy, Cathy and family:
So very sorry for your tragic loss of your son, Chris. I only knew him as a child but he grew into a remarkable person ! Hugs! Eileen Hartigan-Drohan
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Steve Giorno posted a condolence
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Katrina, Lauchie , Conall, Guy, Cathy, Anne, Colleen and Jeanette my deepest condolences to you all. I feel your pain and will move forward cherishing all the memories that Chris has left me with, I sure hope that over time you all can do the same.
Chris was a great friend and probably more of a big brother to me than anything. Despite the eight years between us he treated me as one of the boys and took me wherever he happened to be going at the time. He has taught me many life lessons, some through teaching and some by simply watching and reflecting on his stoic life. Lauchie and Conall your dad was many things to a lot of people however through each engagement he had with whoever he was dealing with he was always consistent in his approach. He was honest, sincere, caring, hardworking, patient and very modest among many other things. No matter what he was doing he was always trying to help and better others. I have many fond memories of my time spent with Chris. We roamed the mountains and the streams in and around Ben Eoin and no matter how long it had been since the last time I saw him we always had something to talk about. He would share silly stories about hunting/fishing with friends he met elsewhere in his travels, and he would always show me little tips and tricks that I will carry with me forever. Growing up I would spend hours hanging around with Chris, he probably wanted to lock his door to keep me out at times, however he never did that, and he always welcomed me with a smile, a laugh and a story. When Chris was in university at St. FX I would get my parents to stop at his residence (usually on a Friday night on our way to Halifax) so I could see him and say hello. He always made time for me and made sure that whoever he was with knew that I was his good friend from back home. He treated me like a little brother, and I certainly thought of him as a big brother. Over time when Chris moved farther away, I would not see him very often however he was sure to look me up when he came home, and it was like time stood still and we picked up from wherever we left off the last time. He would share stories with me about his travels and the things he saw along the way. He was never scared of adventure and always took the time to see what was around the next corner. He had an incredible sense of adventure and was always eager to share it with others. Over the past few years when Chris would come home in the summer he spent quite a bit of time on the beach with us. He would tell stories about the “drive home” with his boys, camping along the way and I could not even begin to imagine what would possess a person to do this and take such a long journey. This was Chris’s way of exposing his family to life experiences that he was so fortunate to have had along his journey in life. He wanted nothing more in life than to teach his boys all the qualities and skills that would set them up to be the best people they could be. As I reflect on some of the other messages that have been written about Chris there is one thing that I can be sure of. Chris was a lot of things to a lot of people. He touched each and every person in a different but very impactful way. His lessons will be carried out by many, and he will never be forgotten by anyone who has met him.
Lauchie and Conall hold your head high, remember your dad for what he was to you and to the many other people he has touched. Use his teachings to help guide yourself to be the best person you can be. I am certain that he has taught you well and has given you many skills to help you move forward. I know your dad will be right there with you in spirit, guiding you through whatever obstacles fall in your way.
RIP Chris we will all miss you!
Steve Giorno
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Corrine Cash uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
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I have been thinking about what to write for the past 24 hours, but I have come to accept that there is nothing I can write to take away the pain that Chris's loved ones are feeling. So I put Pretty Archie on (I know Chris loved Pretty Archie) and decided to write what I remember about Chris so that his sons, Lauchie and Conall, will hear another story about their dad (as Chris asked for in his obituary).
My first memory of Chris is as an athletic, outdoors-loving boy who whizzed down the slopes of Ski Ben Eoin. He was a strong skier and was always on the hill!
Then, when I started East Bay Elementary and Junior High, his sister, Colleen, became one of my best friends. I remember Chris after that as Colleen's older brother, who was off to the side as the Golden Girls went about their shananagians (I can literally picture him in the basement of Guy and Cathy’s house in Ben Eoin smiling away). Chris was always ALWAYS nice. He never played the role of a mean older brother (no matter how tempting we may have made it for him). He just would look at us from the side and laugh or shake his head.
As I got older and the three-year gap between us no longer felt like 300 years, I got to know Chris as more than “just” Colleen's older brother. I got to know him as an intelligent, kind, adventurous young man with a HILARIOUS dry wit. One thing I always really liked about Chris was that he was never someone who demanded the spotlight. He had a quiet confidence and intelligence to him that made him wise as a young person. His ability to see the irony and laugh brought a realness to life. He had amazing observations that were poignant, surprising, and often humorous.
There are no words I can say to remove the grief of Chris's family. Thank you, Guy and Cathy, for bringing him into the world and raising him to be the incredible man he was. We all benefitted from knowing him. Thank you, Colleen, for bringing him into the life of the Golden Girls. Jeanette and Anne: I am sorry you lost your brother. Katrina: I am so sorry you lost your partner in life. Lauchie and Conall: your dad was a great man who was loved and admired by many.
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Emma Harder posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Chris taught me from 2016-2018, he was one of the most influential teachers I have ever come across. There was never a dull moment in the classroom. I have many fond memories of Mr. Harris, amongst my favourites is the time that he was driving our curling team to a bonspiel and had to stop on the highway so that he could open his door beside a dead skunk. We were all in tears because it smelled so bad and he sat there laughing. He always kept things interesting and loved a good laugh. He was somebody who genuinely cared about his students and the people around him. He will be missed. Sending out love and prayers to all of his friends and family.
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Michele Hawco posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sending my condolences to the entire family on the passing of Chris. Prayers for the family and his family of friends .
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Margaret MacDonald posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2023
To all members of the Harris and MacKinnon families: please accept our deepest condolences on Christopher’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Rita MacDonald and family - East Bay
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Kathleen Mortensen posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2023
R.I.P. My wonderful cousin, Chris Harris. He will forever be inscribed in the family annals as a First Cousin,
Growing up, a few things prevented us from being close: he was my younger cousin by eight years and he lived in Nova Scotia as a kid. Later, he moved around, ultimately ending up in western Canada. We never crossed paths in over 40 years!
My sparse knowledge of him and his family came from my mother, Betty’s reports, passed on from Chris’s dad, my mom’s brother, Guy.
Only in the last few years, did Chris and I develop a relationship through messages on Messenger that over time, became not just a familial one, but a friendship. I looked forward to a weekly exchange of memories, music, thoughts and ideas about who we were and who we became.
I was amazed at some of the adventures he had had—how he had taken off on a trip to Alaska with a buddy, how he had scuba-dived for scallops out at St. Anne’s Bay by the Englishtown ferry wharf, and his various jobs from coast to coast.
I was impressed with how well-read he was, and his appreciation for sensitive things like poetry, song and nature.
I wished more and more that we had taken the time to know each other long before we did, but I am so grateful that we did have our exchanges and I came to admire and respect him for being a good man, who loved his family, and his Cape Breton roots
I know Chris loved trees, as I do, and I’m pleased to be planting a tree as a legacy to my cousin. I will miss his friendship greatly.
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Mark Macneill posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Wow! Gone to soon. My condolences to Guy who worked with my dad and was a neighbor about a mile up the road. And to Chris mom and whole family my heart felt condolences. I am about almost ten years older than Chris but he joined our school bus and later his sister, while I traveled to school. They were the cutest well dressed, well behaved, smart and friendly kids and always brought a ray of sunshine with their smiles. I also recall Chris at the ski hill proficiently navigating its slopes before I took off university. I’ve shared my recollections as Chris has requested and wish his wife and children the very best!
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Viola and Ivan Doncaster uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
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Dear Guy, Cathy, Anne, Colleen, Jeanette and Katrina, Lauchie and Conall and extended family, our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Christopher.
We are holding you all in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers at this difficult time.
Christopher’s birth was a memorable occasion for me. He was born on my birthday, two days after Ivan and I became engaged. The Harris family eventually settled perhaps a mile or more away from where we settled in East Bay. Our children attended school, church, Cubs and Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides, birthday parties and other activities together. There were sometimes shared drives to one function or another as friendships grew. I’m including a picture from one of the Cub and Scout gatherings in which Chris and our son Ralph both participated in 1980. Guy, a Cub Leader, is also in the picture.
As you journey forward through the months and years ahead, may your many wonderful memories and the love and prayers of family and friends bring you comfort and peace. God bless you all! Love, hugs and prayers, Viola and Ivan Doncaster, East Bay, CB.
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Kimberly Hawkins lit a candle
Friday, October 20, 2023
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So sorry to the family during this very difficult time. Because of geographical distance, we never met Chris. Chris is a first cousin my late mom (Rhonda 1953-2015) and her brother Jim Harris. Sending condolences from Ontario to all of Chris's friends and family.
The Hawkins Family
Daughter of Rhonda Audit, (Harris)
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Janis Herlehy posted a condolence
Friday, October 20, 2023
So many fun memories of my little cousin Chris. I remember babysitting with my Nana Harris This is my first job and I loved it.
Later, Chris was the altar boy at my wedding at St. Mary’s Church ⛪️ East Bay. Always so pleasant, I enjoyed our summer reunions with Chris and his sisters. Rest easy, Christoper.
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Kathleen and Kevin planted a tree in memory of Chris Harris
Friday, October 20, 2023
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Barb Speiser uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 20, 2023
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Chris was the best! I often worked as an EA in his class, & I loved his class as much as the kids did!
Chris and the 2015 Gr 8 class had a special bond. The kids had a tshirt made for him, and also created a book of “Mr Harris” memories, to give him as a thank you gift at grad. The pics show him looking at the shirt..& in tears after looking at the memory book. I hope he truly understood how dearly he was loved by his students…& the staff at Laird School.
There will be a “Mr Harris” sized hole in all our hearts as we say goodbye to this amazing man.
Many prayers going up for Katrina, Lauchie & Conall.
J
Jason Murphy posted a condolence
Friday, October 20, 2023
Very sorry to the Harris family on the loss of Chris. I remember he taught swimming lessons at the East Bay Sandbar when we were kids in the 80’s. I remember him being an extremely nice and funny guy. I went t school with his sister Jeanette from primary all the way to grade 12. Sincerest condolences to you all at this extremely difficult time.
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Morgan Speiser uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 20, 2023
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Shown here is the picture Mark referred to, the recreation of our grade 8 grad pic. It was a fun day, gathering together and sharing memories of all the good time's we'd had with Mr. Harris. It turned out that the day I sent him this picture was the last day of his trip back home to Nova Scotia, so he excitedly shared the pictures he had taken from it in return. The other picture shown is from a day he'd taken us to a curling bonspiel as our coach, those are times I will always look back on very fondly as well. I can say from experience that Mr. Harris was very admired and appreciated by all his students.
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Mark posted a condolence
Friday, October 20, 2023
Chris taught me and many others in Laird elementary school. There was never a dull moment or a bad memory, we would continuously try to change the subject from our work to him “rambling” on for majority of the class time. And it worked most of the time, he would talk about where he grew up and everything else under the sun. I’m sure he never thought that we as a class would remember the stories and memories he shared with a group of children, but we did. His laugh, his stern looks, and his out of pocket teaching methods have imprinted on us forever. As we all got older we stayed in touch. We retook our grade 8 grad pictures years later so he could remember the havoc we caused.
Sincerely Grade 8 class 2015.
“But man is not made for defeat… A man can be destroyed but not defeated”
Ernest Hemingway
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Stephen Read posted a condolence
Friday, October 20, 2023
Chris and one of his friends work for me as a tree planters when they were in university. They were great workers and I very much enjoyed Chris on the work site, he was very dependable and conscientious about his work. One funny memory that comes to mind was a comment from an older lady who also worked on our planting crew. I arrived on the site late one afternoon and asked her if she saw Chris lately. She said, "What does he look like?" I said one of the young fellas, blonde hair. She said "They all look the same to me!" I seldom saw Chris after those work days but I always heard good things about him. Best wishes to his family.
Cousin Stephen Read
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The family of Chris Harris uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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The family of Chris Harris uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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FUNK'S FUNERAL HOME
BOX 716
1010 – 7th Street
Rosthern, Saskatchewan
S0K 3R0
Telephone: 306-232-5245
Fax: 306-232-5385
Email: funksfh@sasktel.net