Obituary

David B. Harris

July 17, 1951 – February 26, 2021

Goodyear, AZ – David B. Harris (69) passed away at his home with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born on July 17^th in Montclair New Jersey, the son of Hazel (Bean) Harris and John (Jack) Henry Harris.

During his childhood, Dave and his family moved from New Jersey to South Portland and then they settled in Saco, Me.  He graduated from Thornton Academy in 1969 and attended Maine Maritime Academy.

Dave was inducted into the Thornton Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 as part of the 1969 State Track Championship team – the first TA team to win a state championship in Track. He set the state record for the long jump that year at 21 feet 3 ½ inches.  He went on to coach the TA student who broke his record years later.

Dave was an avid sports enthusiast, especially when it came to following his beloved Boston teams.  He played baseball in his youth and continued to play into his adult years with his Saco buddies (The Hooks on the Little Doggies team). He loved running and he participated in several 5K and 10K races as well as completing the Casco Bay Marathon and the Beach to Beacon races.  He continued running into his early 60’s even after several knee surgeries.

After Maine Maritime, Dave shipped out with the Merchant Marines, returning to Maine where he began working at West Point Pepperell where he met the love of his life, Marie Fournier. They married April 20, 1974.

As a youth, Dave worked picking lettuce on Maxwell Farms in Cape Elizabeth, ME and often stayed with his grandparents (Ruth and Ernest Bean). He also lobstered off of Kettle Cove. As an adult, Dave worked in several different fields, including manufacturing, management, stock brokerage and banking.  He then moved on to selling cars and RV’s   He was with the Saturn dealership for 14 years and was an incredible salesman.

Dave was so full of life and loved meeting people and striking up conversations.  Everyone was a potential friend. He had a way of making people feel welcome from the first visit. He loved bringing people together and hosting gatherings at his home and during summer vacations in Boothbay Harbor.  He loved his family dearly and was happiest at home with his family and friends.

Dave remained incredibly positive despite his cancer diagnosis.  He lived graciously and courageously with it until the very end.  Dave is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Marie Harris, his two children, Andrea Harris and Christopher Harris, both in AZ, his mother Hazel (Bean) Harris of Saco, ME. two grandchildren, Arianna (Dube) Searway of Limington, ME and John David Peter McGonagle of Yarmouth, ME one great grandson, Maverick Searway, several brothers and sisters-in law as well as several nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his 6 siblings, Ruth Leon of Wells, ME, Margaret Voccia of Biddeford, ME, Peter Harris of Thomaston, ME, Jeffrey Harris of Wells, ME, Judith Alquist of Naples, ME and Karen Judd of Worcester, MA.  Dave is predeceased by his father John and his brother Johnny.

Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Hirsh, Nathan Richards, PA, and Dr. David Paul. Our deep appreciation is extended to Banner Hospice nurses, Julie and Heidi who were with us in his final days.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 13^th at 1:30 p.m.at the Thompson Funeral Chapel, in Goodyear, AZ.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for family and friends on the east coast; tentatively scheduled for July 18 at Linekin Bay Resorts in Boothbay Harbor, ME. More information will be made available at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution, to the charity of your choice, in memory of Dave.