Obituary of Jack Harris

1929  -  2020

We are saddened to announce the passing of a dear husband and father, Jack G. Harris on Friday, February 28, 2020 at St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative care.

Jackie (Jack) Granville Harris was born August 27, 1929 in Aylesbury, SK to Sydney Granville Harris and Ruth Viola (Feeley), the third of five children.

Jack married Sheila (Moffatt) in 1951 and together they raised six children. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Cherry Anne Balazsi (nee King), his six children Clifford (Diana), Valerie (Tom), Judith
(Glen),  Cathleen (Cyril), Gordon (Jackie), Jacqueline (John), and stepson Daryl (Dawn),  11 grandchildren, Brynn (Nathan), Mitch, Ivana, Brooke (Dallas), Ford (Vanna), Chris (Chelsea), Donne, Rachael (Cody), Nicholas, Sophia and Emerson, 7 great-grandchildren Everett, Declan, Blake, Zade, Karys, Harlow and Kipton, his three sisters, Joyce Anderson, Shirley Grasby and Ivadel Wilson, several nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews.  Jack was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Kenneth Harris.    

Raised in humble beginnings as the son of a barber, Jack set out to make a better life for himself and for his family. After joining the Royal Canadian Navy and serving two years aboard the aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent, he worked in various small towns, first for CP Rail and then for Imperial Oil. Jack was a born entrepreneur, succeeding at many small businesses including a One Hour Martinizing chain, as a Dog n Suds Western Canada Franchisor and later building homes and commercial buildings. Jack had a gift with numbers, was able to see opportunities and was not afraid to take risks. He built a successful real estate company while maintaining a thrifty lifestyle and taught his children the same value of a dollar.

Jack used his leisure time spending many hours in his garage restoring several antique cars.  He was a season ticket holder for the Saskatoon Blades for over 50 years as well as an active member of Kinsmen and K-40 for 60 years. He took his boys fishing every summer to northern lakes.  His greatest joy was driving his grandchildren around in his antique cars and yodelling to all who passed by. He and Cherry Anne went to countless antique car shows and swap meets, dances, hockey games and attended Emmanuel Anglican Church. He became a novice historian on Saskatchewan and its many towns and held friendships in every corner of the province. Jack was one who jumped out of bed to exercise at 5:30 a.m. and rushed to take on the day, always sorry it held only 24 hours. He grabbed life with both hands.

Jack had compassionate broad shoulders that carried many others to success with him. He summed up situations quickly, was uncompromising in his judgment, and thus was sought out as wise counsel by many.  He stepped up to help many people when they were in a bind, often anonymously. Although he raised his children to rely on their own resources, he was there at crucial times when they faltered.  He took a special interest in seniors, attending coffee circles, visiting seniors’ centres and delivering Meals on Wheels on behalf of and as a member of the Elks Club. His zest for life and his thirst to engage and learn about others created an enviably large network of friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family requests that donations may be made on his behalf to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.ca) , the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation (www.cancerfoundationsask.ca)  or the Western Development Museum (www.wdm.ca) .(www.cancerfoundationsask.ca)  or the Western Development Museum (www.wdm.ca) . The Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon.