On the first day of spring and in the 10th year in his preferred winter home in Ajijic, Mexico, after only six hours in the tiny local hospital, our beloved Bob boarded for his final destination. Oddly, or perhaps not, the church bells in the Ajijic chapel immediately began pealing cheerily and enthusiastically, seeming to welcome a devilish angel to wherever those souls travel.
He was born in Hamilton to mother, Sophia Shearer and father, Ernest William Harris, both of Scotland and both deceased. Bob was predeceased long before by an older sister, Rosemary.
Left in his dust, are his daughter Rhonni Leigh, son Ernest Robert (Rob), his best bud, Kirk Jackson, and his life-infusing wife of eight years, Robin.
Bob or Ernie, depending on where in his life one knew him, was a graduate of Hillfield College. Following graduation he was soon happily ensconced in the airline industry as a customer service agent. He worked for Nordair, his favourite company, from 1971-1987, followed by Vacationair (1988-1990), when they shut down in Toronto. He spent 1992-1994 with Mesaba under the umbrella of Northwest Airlines in Hamilton. Each company was absorbed by another until finally Air Canada devoured them all and ErnieBob was left dangling in the mid-air of redundancy.
In a chance online meeting in 2004, Bob and Robin formed an instant connection which led to several months of communication before they finally met in Stratford to attend a wine tasting, silent art auction fundraiser. They quickly realized that they were yin and yang to each other, and for the next ten years Bob made the weekend commute to Stratford from his home in Stoney Creek. The time in Stratford opened his eyes to art and theatre, interests new to him which he welcomed enthusiastically, buying memberships at the McMichael Art Gallery and the Stratford Festival.
They soon made plans for retirement with Bob silently buying art and Robin whining about the shortage of wall space. On his 65th birthday, Bob retired and moved his most precious belongings to Robin’s home in Stratford. Two weeks later, Bob’n’Robin, never having cohabited, and their two shitzus, Molly and Maggie, turned their collective noses southward. With a fully-loaded vehicle but lightened hearts, they headed for the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, where they spent the next ten winters taking full advantage of having access to the best of both worlds.
Life with Bob was a surprise-a-day. He was a quiet and thoughtful man, but also capable of sharing his vast general knowledge (of Mexican history, in particular) when the occasion required it. In addition to too much art, Bob also collected too many matchbook covers, non-sports cards, and vintage toys. He could make a game out of any situation, and these funny and playful qualities endeared him to everyone. Above all, he was gentle and a gentleman.
He will be missed.
Bob’s life will be celebrated this winter on the shores of Lake Chapala with our friends in that community. In the spring, there will be another celebration in Stratford for those who wish to remember him in our beloved town.
Bob’s favourite theatre was the nascent Here for Now Theatre, founded by Fiona Mongillo and her strong supporters. To honour Bob’s memory, any donations to their Capital fund would be greatly appreciated. A collective donation totalling $2500 will purchase a Founding Star plaque in Bob’s name.
To donate, click on the donation link on the Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services website or go to www.herefornowtheatre.com directly, and click on SUPPORT and then on DONATE. There is a button under Capital Fund: Founding Star in Memory of Bob Harris. Click there and follow the instructions. Donations by cheque or cash may also be made at Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services, 804 Ontario St., Stratford. 519-271-5062
