Obituary of John Richard Harris

October 7, 1986 – Sarnia, Ontario

June 9, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On June 9, 2023, we lost a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Born in Sarnia, Richard moved to Calgary at age three with his family and grew up in Woodbine attending Woodbine Elementary, Woodman Junior High and Henry Wisewood High School.  He initially graduated from SAIT in the automotive mechanics program, but later returned to SAIT to follow his true passion for cooking.

Richard loved the mountains, snowboarding, camping, his Calgary Flames, Camp Chief Hector and anything to do with Harry Potter, but he was happiest cooking for anyone, as a job or preparing a celebratory meal for family or friends.

Left to mourn his loss are his parents, Rick and Gwen Harris, sister Jen Hennig (Matt), twin brother Brian (Ronelle), nephews, Lochlan, Everett, and “Nugget” due to arrive any day.  He is also survived by his grandparents, John Richard Harris III, Rae Jones, and Terry O’Marr; aunts and uncles, Charlie (Karen) Harris, Dave (Bernie) Harris, Helen Harris (Dave Galway), Susan (Shane) Stark, Barry Jones; cousins, Cameron (Tara) Harris, Kelly and Jamie Stark, Ella and Tess Galway, and Danny (Erin) Walker.  Richard’s family will be forever grateful to his roommate Chris for all the support he has provided. Waiting for him on the other side are Nana Morrison, Papa, Grandma Sandra, Grandma Roe, and Sarge.

Richard’s family would like to extend their gratitude to family and friends here in Calgary and around the world who are helping them through this sad time. 

A private family celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date when the family are able to gather to share our many happy memories. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.  If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, Rising Above, or The Calgary Drop-in Center.

In living memory of Richard 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.