Scott Harris, 75 years, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with his daughter, Jodi, and son, Brad holding him in a tight embrace. He had been battling cancer.
Scott spent his childhood on the beautiful backroads of Dorion, Ontario with his parents and seven siblings. He always reminisced about the “good old days” as a Dorionite - blueberry picking, camping, canoeing, exploring, fishing, hiking and taking dips in the local rivers and streams.
Scott married his high school sweetheart, Helen Dainio (“Helly”) in November of 1970. Together, they built a life and had 2 children: Jodi-Lynn, and Bradley. They spent four decades at the Wolf River cabin, appreciating the flora, fauna and beauty of the changing seasons, as well as hosting numerous celebrations and reunions. Scott, Helen, Jodi, and Brad traveled far and wide. As a family, they road tripped from the Maritimes to BC and explored Cuba, Jamaica, Portugal and Spain. In their retirement years, Scott and Helen went on a Hawaiian cruise and basked in the Mexican sun. They were just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary when Helen passed away in June 2020.
His lifelong career as a teacher and principal with the Lakehead Board of Education brought him immense joy. He formed friendships with colleagues and staff that he treasured to his dying day.
Scott lived life with a mighty and unstoppable force. He knew the true meaning of carpe diem and woke up every morning with a major “to do” list. Not one to sit idle, his endless energy ensured he’d never grow moss.
Scott was a “quiet philanthropist,” working for many causes but never seeking recognition. He was deeply passionate about Kiwanis, Our Kids Count, Roots of Empathy, and Rotary. He was Mother Nature’s ambassador and dedicated his last few decades to helping Citizens United for a Sustainable Planet, Environment North, and Nuclear Free North. He was determined to “leave the grandkids a healthy environment and sustainable future.”
When Scott couldn’t be reached he was usually carving turkeys at RFDA, making pancake breakfasts for OKC, preparing sandwiches for the Salvation Army soup van, or selling Christmas trees for Kiwanis. He believed that service to others was the price we paid for being on this planet.
In the last five years, Scott spent countless hours writing his mom’s memoirs. It was over many cups of tea and snacks that she shared stories of her life in Dorion and he recorded her memories.
Scott adored being a grandpa–affectionately known as Papa Smurf. He was immensely proud of his grandkids Lonan, Seija and Kylen, and keenly anticipated his visits to Nanaimo, BC. His son Brad, daughter-in-law Andrea, and the three kiddos would anxiously await persians from Thunder Bay, and the quality time together exploring the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
Always singing a tune, Scott had a deep appreciation for music. He was a former member of Lakehead Choral Group and more recently had regular jam sessions with his guitar group. He and nephew Tanner prepared beautiful concerts for the annual Harris carol sing.
Scott loved carpentry and spent many special hours in his woodworking shop with his son-in-law, Ricardo. There was always a home reno or camp improvement project for the two of them to tackle. He was an avid reader who loved to discuss his current “must read.” He enjoyed completing his daily crossword.
Scott shared custody of grand-dog Pimienta (Pimmy) who was spoiled rotten with walks, field trips, snow mazes, and an overflowing toy box.
Scott was lucky to find love again in partner Rita. The two of them went on epic adventures in Italy, Mexico, and across the border. They shared a great love of the outdoors, often camping, going on long walks with the dogs, or planning their flower and veggie gardens. Scott and Rita believed laughter was a powerful healer.
Scott is survived by his loving partner Rita (Comuzzi), daughter Jodi-Lynn Velasquez (Ricardo), son Brad Harris (Andrea), grandchildren Lonan, Seija and Kylen Andrews Harris; mother Margaret Harris; sister Betty Chambers (Ed), brothers Keith Harris (Susan) and Don Harris (Margit); sisters-in-law Debbie Harris, Lee Harris, Yvonne Harris, brother in-law Richard White, brothers and sisters-in-law Bill and Marilyn (Chapman) and Neil and Darlene (Dainio), and his life-long friend, Dale Smith. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins also survive. Scott was predeceased by his loving wife Helen (Dainio), father Arthur, sister Carol Harris White, and brothers Ross, Glen, and Allan.
The family wishes to acknowledge the nurses on 1A medical who provided Scott with exceptional care and compassion during his final weeks in the hospital.
A proper celebration of Scott’s life will take place in mid-May.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation to Environment North, Northern Cancer Fund or Our Hearts at Home Campaign.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
