Feb 17, 2018
Ernest George Harris, 87, of Chilliwack, BC passed away peacefully at the Langley Hospice on Saturday February 17, 2018.
Ernie was born in 1930 in Foam Lake Saskatchewan as an only child to George and Hady Harris. He grew up with his beloved cousin Leilah, who he considered a sister, and formed a strong life long bond with her.
After a stint in the construction industry in Toronto and truck driving in Saskatchewan, he moved with his wife Joyce to the Vancouver area in search of better opportunities. Shortly after settling in Surrey, he started working for Shell Canada where he remained for the rest of his working life. Even in his retirement, he fondly spoke of his experience as a fuel blender for Shell.
The loss of Joyce after a prolonged illness did not permanently diminish his positive outlook on life and he married Betty in 2006. With them both losing lifetime spouses after long periods of illness, they cherished their time together as a gift given later in their lives.
Betty's rapid death in 2012 with cancer, combined with the gradual progression of his dementia and his own cancer in 2015 made his last years a challenge. Through all he continued to see the good side of events, won the admiration and affection of those around him, and was grateful for the small things in life.
His family physician of many years best described him as a kind and gentle man.
Without children in his first marriage, he adopted Betty's family as his own and became a father to Gregory and a grandfather to Melissa, Corey, Kyrie, Michelle, and Karyn.
A celebration of his life will occur at 1 pm on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Valley View Funeral Home, 14660 72nd Avenue, Surrey BC.
Following this informal reception, Ernie will join his first wife Joyce at Valley View Cemetery.
His family would like to thank the staff at Lifestyles in Chilliwack and the Langley Hospice for their outstanding support and care of Ernie.