Obituary of Austin Brian Harris

HARRIS, Austin Brian

April 15, 1994 – Calgary, Alberta

March 19, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Austin “Auzzie” Harris of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 27 years.

Austin was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 15, 1994, to parents Brian Harris and Patricia Harris (nee Donick)

For all those who knew Austin, he will be remembered as a kind and loving young man with a bright soul and an even brighter smile. He had the innate ability to strike up a conversation and make a friend out of a complete stranger. From a person on the street, to a young child, a person at the bar, and everyone in-between, he had a certain kindness and light that made you feel comfortable and drawn in.  His heart was big and full of compassion. He sympathized and conversed with the homeless, he was thoughtful and tender to the disabled, and always did his very best to make sure people were seen and shown love any time he interacted with them. At a young age he exhibited a rare quality to look at a person as a whole and made sure they were aware they would not be judged or seen as any less than the next. In his early-mid teens, Austin was a talented soccer player who possessed a tremendous ability to learn and lead as one of the players for Foothills Soccer Club. Throughout those years, he met great friends and developed many relationships that continue to play a supporting role with our family today.

Throughout his life Austin showcased a bold personality that sometimes got him in to trouble with his parents and at times he and his brothers would squabble, as any brothers do. Part of the beauty in such a personality are the times when laughter and affection prevailed. There were many times when those feelings of angst were overcome with family hilarity and warmth.

All of these amazing qualities made up who Auzzie was as a person. He was a young man that had unlimited potential. We are all saddened to think he will never have the opportunity to reach that full potential. We wish we could give him back the gift of time to reach all the goals and happiness he deserved in this life. With all the great attributes and qualities that Auzzie possessed, he also battled a serious alcohol addiction. This was an uphill battle, much like any addiction. It resulted in many struggles between family members, friends, and his overall happiness and well-being. It is important to remember him for who he was prior to his struggles. It is also important to remember his shortcomings and acknowledge that these battles are prevalent in far too many families and individuals throughout Calgary and beyond.

If friends so desire, the family asks that memorial tributes be made to the Calgary Dream Centre in Austin’s name at https://calgarydreamcentre.com/donate/. We hope that his story and tragic ending can be a light for those who continue to struggle and fight this plague of addiction.

To our son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend we all hope that you are able to rest easy in this next life and are free of all the internal struggles you faced. You have left this world far too soon and leave behind an abundance of people whose hearts will be forever empty without you here. We know you will look down and guide us all through this very sad and tragic point in our lives. We will hold you close in our hearts until we meet again.

Love you Auzzie

Austin is survived by his parents, Brian and Patty, his three brothers, Mark, Joel, and Josh, his two sister in-laws, Amber and Chera, his niece, Khloe, and nephew Kai, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Auzzie Harris, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.