Gary W. Harris (second from left) smiles at the grand opening of the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza in June 2018. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard and Sheldon Spackman

LASTING LEGACY

Community mourns loss of businessman and philanthropist Gary W. Harris

Feb 19, 2020 | 2:26 PM

Tributes are pouring in for a man whose volunteer and philanthropic efforts have left a lasting legacy in the Red Deer community.

Gary W. Harris passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the age of 68.

Harris practiced law in Edmonton and Red Deer and was a sessional instructor at U of A and RDC, but he primarily worked as a business manager during most of his career.

He was involved with numerous boards and service clubs over more than 40 years, including Westerner Park, Piper Creek Optimist Club, and the Red Deer and District Community Foundation. Harris was also part of the community group that helped bring the Red Deer Rebels to the city.

“He always thought of himself as a Red Deerian,” recalls Red Deer city councillor Michael Dawe who first got to know Harris when they attended high school together at Lindsay Thurber. “He did very well in business and other things, but always turned around and gave back a lot. That shows someone who not only is part of our community, but also somebody who’s left a great legacy.”

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In 2015, Harris made a significant donation to Red Deer College which led to the naming of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre athletic facility in his honour.

Three years later in 2018, another generous donation from Harris led to the naming of the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza at the former Central School building on 48 Avenue.

Lyn Radford, board chair of the 2019 Canada Winter Games and longtime friend of Harris, describes him as a kind and gentle soul.

“I’m just so proud to have been able to say that this was a kind man that I was able to have a friendship with,” says Radford, who along with husband Reg enjoyed both a personal and professional relationship with Harris for more than 30 years.

“Over the years, our lives have intertwined back and forth. We’ve had space gaps where we haven’t seen each other, but then gaps where we’ve seen quite a bit of each other, but always felt that Gary was one of the nicest, kindest men we knew.”

At the June 2018 naming ceremony for the celebration plaza, Harris said, “I believe in volunteerism and Central Junior High School was an integral part of my youth, so supporting this initiative that marries two of my passions was an opportunity for me to make a meaningful contribution to my community and leave a legacy.”

RDC President Dr. Peter Nunoda issued a statement regarding the passing of Harris.

“On behalf of the students, faculty and staff within the RDC community, I want to express my condolences to Gary Harris’ wife, Ruth, his family and friends as we pay tribute to his life and his legacy,” Nunoda says.

“Gary was an enthusiastic supporter, and a generous donor, of the College for many years. He was often present at College and alumni events. He was an enthusiastic fan of our Kings and Queens. His contributions have helped to shape our students’ learning experiences in the classroom, in sport competition and recreational opportunities. Gary’s legacy will be felt by future students who receive scholarships attributed to his generous philanthropy to help them achieve their dreams. We’re proud to house the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on RDC’s main campus as another permanent reminder of the legacy his generous spirit brought to our region. This facility is a space that will continue to be well used by our students and our community members for many years to come. Gary’s absence will be felt at RDC and across our region.”

Harris is survived by his wife Ruth, two sons and their families.