Kenneth HARRIS

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HARRIS: Kenneth Raymond Harris was born July 24th 1927, a life long resident of Minnedosa. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 16th at the age of 90.  He was one of six children born to James and Madeline Harris, born at home on the corner of Main Street and fourth avenue Minnedosa. Ken received his education in Minnedosa North and South schools, completing grade 11. He started working at the age of sixteen, first as a delivery boy on a bicycle and then as a clerk for the "New Store." He started on the C.P.R. as a wiper then transferred to the running trains as a train man. He retired from the railway as a conductor in 1986 after 36 years. On August 28, 1954 Ken married Ava Christiansen of Onanole, they have three daughters. His running trips on the C.P.R. were between  Bredenbury-Minnedosa, and Winnipeg. When laid off from the railway he sold cars for Stewart Motors. Since retirement, Ken and Ava have spent over 25 years wintering in Victoria, British Columbia. They built a home together at Minnedosa lake and enjoyed many celebrations with family and friends. Ken was predeceased by his parents, brother Clayton, sisters Marjorie and Bernice. He leaves to morn his passing, his wife Ava, daughters Pamela (Phil) Lewis, Gwendoline (Claude) Jolicoeur, Corinne (Ken) Lochhead. Grandchildren Andrea (Brian) Shackel, Brent (Michelle) Lewis, Jennifer Lochhead (Jeffrey Chevalier), Renee and Michel Jolicoeur. Great Grandchildren Emma and Norah Shackel. Sister Gwendoline Sloane and brother Donald Harris. Brother-in-laws Rae (Karen) Christiansen and Ole (Kathy) Christiansen. He has many special nieces and nephews that were very close to his heart.  Ken had an unparalleled love of service to his community. He started with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, then Kinsmen, Trustee Elementary School District 234, Councillor for the Town of Minnedosa, Hospital Board when the Personal Care Home was built, Parks Board member for twenty years, Lake Rehabilitation committee which saw the refurbishment of the beach pavilion and the current location of the campground, and lake clean up, these helped to re-establish the Minnedosa beach as a prime tourist attraction. Railroad Centennial committee (instrumental in having the engine and caboose placed in Tanner's Crossing Park), member of Community Housing, Minnedosa Foundation, Town View Manor Board, Minnedosa Air Cadets #12 Manitoba Dragoon, Royal Canadian Legion, Masonic Lodge 50 years, Treasurer of Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Local 1234,  United Transportation Union, Minnedosa Handi-van, Minnedosa Industrial Commission, Manitoba Purple Martin Club, Canada Day committee, Shrine Club Khartum Temple, Shrine Oriental Band, Heritage Committee Walking trails, plaques and School Cairns. Other committees that Ken has been instrumental on are the Bison Compound, flags and light standards across the dam and as a member of the Minnedosa town council, was part of the committee that established renovated, refurbished the former post office as the new Civic centre and thus played an instrumental role in saving that heritage building. The Railway was a career and passion, his current committee service had been with the "Save the Station committee." There effects are to secure a railway station in our heritage village. He held a Life Membership of the Liberal Party of Manitoba. Ken has received many awards including the Certificate of Appreciation for the Town of Minnedosa. Certificate of Service Centennial Year 1983, The commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the confederation of Canada, For service to the community. He received the rural economic leadership award, for his volunteerism. His legacy of service is everywhere is our community. A celebration of life took on Friday, September 22, 2017 at St. Mark's Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Manitoba Kidney foundation, Minnedosa Foundation and the Shriners Children's hospital. Minnedosa Funeral Service in care of arrangements.Messages of condolence may be placed online at www.minnedosafs.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 23, 2017