August 2nd 1940 - May 8th 2018
It is with much regret and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our
beloved father, Robert Chesley Harris, affectionately known to family and
friends, as Bob or Rabbit.
Bob was born and raised in Buchans where he met and married the love of his
life, Daphne Russell, in the fall of 1960 for 55 wonderful years. Bob and Daphne
lived their whole lives in Buchans, where together they raised 3 daughters,
Susan, Jacqueline and Charmaine. Bob and Daphne were both animal lovers
and there was always a pet in their home. Two of their pets that held a special
place in their hearts were Toy Poodles, both named Gizmo.
Bob loved the outdoors. He felt so lucky to work outside for 27 years with Abitibi
Price. His cabin on Red Indian Lake in Central Newfoundland was one where all
were welcome....whether it be an hour or overnight stays, you would be greeted
with a campfire on the beach and a cold beverage in your hand and a pot on the
stove. No matter the season, Bob did it all. He spent much time fishing in and
around the Buchans area. In the fall of the year you could find Bob moose
hunting and during the winter months he enjoyed skidooing, setting snares and
catching a few braces of rabbits.
In his later years, Bob gave up the cabin life, hunting, and fishing, in favour of a
new passion....the ‘Shed Life’. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing
Bob, knows very well that Bob’s shed was a special place for him. It was where
his heart and soul was. This was his ‘happy place’......a place where he would
spend his time cooking up scoffs for his family and dear friends (in particular,
Bruce Bursey and Bill Emberley). Big breakfasts and Ukilaki were just two of his
specialities. If Bob wasn’t cooking in the shed, he and his buddies...and a
couple of his brothers and a sister, could be found tapping out a tune....or
7....especially on St. Paddy’s Day weekend. They’d start the day off with their
big breakfast for as many people as showed up, the more, the merrier was his
motto, except for Shed Disturbers (AKA women!). Then everyone would spend
the rest of the day playing music, dancing and singing usually well into the
evening.
Bob will be dearly missed by his family and many, many friends. But you know,
when they hear a foot tappin’ a good ol’ Irish tune, they will think of Bob with a
smile on their faces and joy in their hearts.
Waiting with open arms for his arrival in Heaven are his parents Hilda and
Chesley Harris, loving and faithful wife Daphne (Russell), brother Gordon,
sisters, Barbana (Yetman), Genevieve (Fifield), Jackie (Harnett) and Jessie
(Osmond), and grandson Brian Hutchings.
Left to carry on Bob’s love for life are his three daughters Susan, Jacqueline,
and Charmaine (Sean); grandchildren Krista (Scott), Robert (Tammy), Michael,
and Tiffany; great-grandchildren Nathan, Morgan, Robert, Savannah, Rylan,
Raelana, Trysen, brothers William, James (Ann), Lloyd (Linda), Beaton (Annie),
Brian (Marilyn), Griffin (Diane), Harold (Linda), Maxwell (Denise), special sister Dawn (Bill), and faithful
friend, Gizmo III.
The family would like to recognize the rare and special bond that Dad and his
nephew, Donald, shared. Donald was there for Dad, especially since the
passing of our mother, Daphne.
As well, words can not express our thanks to the Russells for being there for
him when we weren’t able. Dad was fortunate to have married into such a
loving, generous and supportive family.
It is with the upmost respect and gratitude that we thank Dr. Omar Ezzat, the
nurses, paramedics and staff at the A. M. Guy Memorial Health Centre in
Buchans, NL where Dad received much care and love in his final days.
Resting at the United Church, Buchans Thursday May 10th and Friday May 11th . Funeral Service to be held at the Buchans United Church, Saturday May 12th at 2:00 . Interment Buchans Community Cemetery.
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