Gordon Harris

With sadness and respect, we announce the peaceful passing of Gordon Wilson Harris on August 8th 2021, in Vernon, with his loving wife Heather at his side.Gord was born on May 5th 1947 in Vancouver, and was adopted by William (Bill) and Edith (Edie) Harris in Armstrong, something he expressed much gratitude for in his later years. They moved together to Winnipeg, where Gord spent his childhood years, before the family returned to the Okanagan. As a boy he enjoyed riding horses in the ranches around Winnipeg, and then enjoying the lakes and hills surrounding Coldstream.

After completing his BSc at S.F.U. in 1978, Gord was drawn to explore the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland. He enjoyed wandering the heather-covered hills, rugged shores and quaint villages. It was in Scotland that he met and married Rika Breitenbach, and together they moved to England and Gord started teaching. For over 30 years, he was very dedicated to his career as a teacher, focusing on high school physics and math. Also throughout that time, Gord and Rika had and raised five children in England. He was very proud of his children, and they brought him much joy throughout the years.

The family moved together to Gord’s home of Canada in 2002 and settled in Vernon.

In 2008, Gord remarried. He had met Heather Martin, a fellow graduate of Clarence Fulton Senior Secondary School, at a mini reunion. They both loved music and made several trips to the UK. He continued to teach in Salmon Arm, Armstrong and Enderby until he retired in 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; his five children: Chris, Tim, Tessie, Siss and Peter; two step-children Christie and Kevin, his grandson Evren Leo; and his sister Myrna (Tom) Fulkco.
Gord’s family invites those who wish to celebrate his life to a service at the Alliance Church, 2601 43rd Ave, Vernon, on Monday August 16th at 10:30.

In lieu of any flowers, any donation to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. (alzheimer.ca/bc) in memory of Gord, would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-4333.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com for the Harris family.