David B Harris
Passed: February 26, 2021
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David B Harris
Passed: February 26, 2021
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 17th 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 13th 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.
23 responses to David B Harris
Lisa says:
March 4, 2021
I will miss you Dave. I will miss your hugs, your smile, your laugh and your love for sports. Rest In Peace.
D. Novielli says:
March 4, 2021
There is a lot I could say about Dave, but image of him smiling and saying Howdy with his New England accent is what has been indelibly I graced within.
A chef, (an awesome one at that) a husband and a father, maybe not in that order. From Portland to Boothbay, from Goodyear to Orange County Dave left an impression on souls (mine especially) that will go into the future for generations to come.
I’m going to miss his good natured talks and stories. I’m going to miss smoking cigars and having a bit of cognac or a nip of Scotch Whiskey. Above all else I’m going to miss Dave Harris! He will be missed but never forgotten!
Andrea Harris says:
March 4, 2021
This made me smile. Thank you ♥️
Richard M Parker says:
March 4, 2021
My deepest sympathy to all of Dave’s family. I have fond memories from that Saturday in June when Dave had such an outstanding meet. From his scoring in the high hurdles, to winning the long jump, to being put into the 4 x 200 relay at the last minute and doing what was needed to win the championship by 1/2 point for Thornton! Ass.t Coach Dick Parker
Marie D Harris says:
March 4, 2021
Thank you so much for sharing this. He was proud of his accomplishments that day. He often spoke of those days with fond memories. Reading this would have made him very happy.
Michael Leavitt says:
March 4, 2021
To Marie and the Harris family, Dave was many things to me. We participated in so many activities during our younger years. We were winter track teammates during our sophomore year at Thornton Academy, classmate T.A. 1969, fellow T Club member, Hook Brother, and Little Doggies baseball club teammate. During January 1973, Dave & I with two other friends drove his Chevy Impala to Florida to escape the cold and snow of Maine. Along the way, we stopped to visit Dave’s grandfather in New Jersey. He told me that he and his father were both born in that house. Our mutual love of music drew us to many rock shows during that winter. No doubt the highlight was an outdoor concert in Tampa Stadium to see Led Zeppelin. I shall miss him dearly. Save me a spot along that trout stream, my friend. HK
Marie says:
March 6, 2021
What a beautiful tribute Mike! He spoke of that trip to Florida, the times you had and the Zeppelin concert! You were a great friend to him. Thank you for sharing this. Hope to see you this summer at the celebration of his life in Maine.
Leo Murawski says:
March 5, 2021
Marie, Andrea, and Chris. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I will always remember Dave, and the good times we shared at Westbrook Saturn.