It is with great sadness that the family of Archie Harris announces his passing on December 10, 2015 in Royal Inland Hospital.He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol, his four Daughters: Pamela (Bruce) Evensen, Judy (Mike) Currie, Sandra (Ross) Lowndes and Valerie (Jeff) Duncan. Eight grandchildren: Jason, Kristin, Kyla, Tamara, Bobbi, Chad, Brad and Nicole. Four great-grandchildren, Arden, Molly, Dax and Ayla.

Archie lived his entire life in Kamloops, his family roots go back to the turn of the last century, 1902. The family first homesteaded in the Lac du Bois area. Archie started his working life with Browns’ Repair Shop, leaving there to start an Apprenticeship as a Machinist at W.J.Ellis Co, becoming the shop foreman. During his time as a machinist he became a Volunteer Fireman with the Kamloops Fire Department in 1953. Later he made the decision to follow his heart and become a professional firefighter with KFD in 1967. Archie dedicated 23 years to this calling until his retirement in 1990. He was very proud member of KFD.

As a young man Archie was an athlete who played lacrosse for the Kamloops Clippers often playing as a junior and the following game for the senior team. He also was an avid skier. He would recount hiking up to the old Kamloops ski hill. And skiing down and walking back up the hill all day. Then skiing down Trans Canada Hwy. (now Columbia Street), down First Ave to his house on 500 block St. Paul Street.

He was a founding member of the Old Kamloops ski hill, above Costco. Archie’s machinist talents were used in the building of the rope tow. He also became a certified ski instructor, teaching many kids to ski. All the Harris girls were excellent skiers and started young, and by 2 years old were on their way. Later in life he switched to cross-country skiing. Travelling with friends to ski and socialize.

Archie had many talents; he could fix, build or make anything that was needed. Whatever he set his mind to he could accomplish. He built the cabin at Little Shuswap out of salvaged materials by himself, and it was beautiful. He taught the girls to swim and water ski, behind the boat that he built himself the PA-JU-SA-VA, the name getting longer with every new daughter.

He was a musician, but never learned to read music (all by ear). He was a member of the Kamloops Ham radio club for many years, VE7 DOG. He made contacts in every country in the World. If he wanted to do anything he would teach himself or learn on the fly.

Archie loved his grandkids and enjoyed their accomplishments, be it sports, school, dance, or career. He loved seeing them and just spending time with them. In retirement Archie and Carol travelled, RV’d and enjoyed themselves.

The last few years Archie dedicated himself to looking after Mom, most recently living at Overlander Extended Care.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jen Takahashi for her excellent care and brilliance. Dr. S. Rollheiser, for his outstanding care and compassion not only for our father, but the family as well. RN Patricia on 5 North who went above and beyond for our father, and thank-you to RN Dawn on 5 North for her efficiency and care.

At Archie’s request there will be no service. However, in lieu of flowers if friends do desire, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Firefighters Burn Fund would be appreciated, in memory of Archie.

On-line condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com   

Rest in Peace, Dad, “We Love You.”

• Date : 2015-12-10
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.