Tribute

Roger Maxwell Harris, age 80 years, died Saturday April 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in  Cloverdale, B.C.

Roger was born June 7, 1944 to Ronald and Lenore Harris in Claresholm, Alberta. During his early years, his family lived in Vancouver and Richmond, later moving to Tsawassen.  In 1964 Roger married his loving wife Joan Beaumont. Roger’s work took him all over BC, and they moved frequently, raising their family in Dawson Creek, Vernon, Kelowna, Fort St. John, finally settling in Surrey.

The same year Roger and Joan were married, he embarked on a career  with CT&S, BC Tel, and TELUS until he retired in 1997. From the age of 26 Roger divided his telephone career with a flying career that spanned the country from the B.C. Coast to Peace River Country to Great Bear Lake in the Arctic, and as far East as Northern Quebec.. During this time he had the opportunity to fly numerous types of aircraft, most often the Beaver and the Otter, in a variety of roles – instructor, fire-spotter and bush pilot. He also found time to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces attaining the rank of Captain and Commanding 513 Hornet Squadron in New Westminster where he helped youth on their way to achieving their dream of learning to fly.  Roger loved travelling, especially in their motorhome.  After retirement, Roger and Joan travelled BC, the United States and overseas and spent time with their family, helping to look after their grandchildren.

In 2006, at the age of 62,Roger was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  In true character he fought hard against the disease and stubbornly held it off for 18 years, living the best life he possibly could.

Roger is survived by his wife Joan, his children Holly (Jevon), Carla (Sandro), and Matthew (Claire), Grandchildren, Julian, Gareth  and Charlotte, Giordan and Parisa, Sinead and Ryan, siblings Maureen (Blair), Anita (Chris) and Shane (Joanne). Roger was predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter Ava.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday April 26 at 1pm at The Anglican Church of the Epiphany, 10553 148th St, Surrey BC.  Refreshments will be served in the hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger‘s memory would be appreciated and may be made to  Zion Park Manor or to the Parkinson Society of BC.