Grant Earl Harris

With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Grant Earl Harris, a true gentleman whose kindness, love, and generous spirit will be forever cherished. On February 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his daughter Carol and son Allen at his bedside, and with his daughter Bonnie offering her support over the phone, Grant reunited with his beloved wife, Marian, and cherished granddaughter, Mary, becoming another cherished guardian angel for those he leaves behind.

Born in High River, Alberta, Grant was the son of Victor Nelson Harris, a WWI veteran, and Roselle Fae Harris. The couple met in Wimborne, AB, and raised their family of nine children - Helen, Marion, Robert, Dorothy, Trudy, Ken, Grant, Desmond (who passed away as an infant), and Gaile - in High River and Calgary. Despite losing his father at the age of 23, Grant carried forward the invaluable handyman skills he had learned - electrical, mechanical, and construction - always eager to lend a helping hand.

Grant met the love of his life, Marian, while both were working at Alberta General Telephone (AGT). During a lunch break, when all the tables and chairs were taken by male technicians, Marian, determined and resourceful, playfully sat on Grant’s lap—an unforgettable moment that sparked a love story spanning 65 years. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed three children, Bonnie, Allen, and Carol.

Grant was a devoted and hands-on father, well ahead of his time in his commitment to sharing parenting responsibilities. He promised Marian he would be an equal partner in raising their children while also providing a safe, loving home. The moment he walked through the door after work, he kicked off his shoes and jumped into family life—playing with the kids or helping prepare dinner. Next to Marian, his family was the most important thing in his life.

Grant’s dedication and loyalty extended beyond his home to his career in telecommunications. He started with AGT in Alberta before moving to British Columbia in 1966, where he joined BC Telephone. With unwavering support from his family, he embraced new career opportunities within BC Tel that took them around the province - New Westminster, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Prince George, and ultimately back to Coquitlam. No matter how often they moved, their home was always filled with love, and each new community became a place for new adventures and cherished memories.

A respected leader, Grant earned admiration and respect from colleagues and those he trained, mentored and supervised. His expertise and commitment were so valued that even after retiring, BC Tel brought him back on contract - a testament to his lasting impact.

Beyond work, Grant and Marian shared a deep love for camping, a passion that began early in their marriage. Nearly every weekend, they packed up their trailer and took their children on outdoor adventures, creating cherished memories by the lakes and in the wilderness. Grant was so dedicated to ensuring his family enjoyed these experiences that he would set up their trailer at the Shuswap Lake for the summer, when living in Kamloops, and commute to work so his family could make the most of the season. When retirement came, they sold their family home and embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living in their trailer while traveling across Canada and the United States. What started as a one-year adventure turned into a decade of exploration, where they discovered new campsites, formed lifelong friendships, and became known for their warm hospitality - especially their legendary campsite happy hours.

Grant’s love for the outdoors extended beyond camping - he was an avid walker and cyclist, staying active well into his 80s. Whether day or night, if one of his children needed to clear their mind, he would lace up his shoes without hesitation and join them for a walk. He firmly believed that some of life’s best conversations and deepest connections happened while walking side by side. Even in his final years, he rarely missed a chance to get outside, continuing his daily walks until his passing at 89.

Wherever the family settled or camped, Grant and Marian became "Dad and Mom Harris" to an ever-growing circle of their children’s friends and the people they met along their travels. Their warmth and generosity made everyone feel like family, creating bonds that lasted a lifetime.

Above all, Grant was defined by his selflessness. Whether helping park a stranger’s trailer, assisting someone in need, or using his handyman skills to help family and friends with home renovations, he was always ready to lend a hand. In Marian’s later years, he took immense pride in being her primary caregiver, ensuring she was always surrounded by love and support. Even after her passing, his kindness remained a constant. At Yaletown House, where he lived in his final years, he was known for his eagerness to assist fellow residents, always looking out for those who needed support.

In November 2024, Grant had the special opportunity to travel to Calgary with his daughter Carol to visit his last surviving sister, Trudy who passed away in Dec 2024, his best friend from childhood, Don Henry and wife Ruth, and his daughter, Bonnie and her family. He enjoyed the special moments with everyone he visited. 

As the last surviving member of his immediate family, Grant was predeceased by his parents, all his siblings, and his beloved granddaughter, Mary Crichton.

Grant and his beloved wife, Marian, will be deeply missed by their children Bonnie (Larry), Allen (Alphonse), and Carol (Todd), as well as their grandchildren Shaun, Sarah, and Robert.

Grant’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, carried forward through his love of the outdoors - camping, cycling, and walking - as well as through the cherished moments he shared with his family, grandchildren, and friends. His warm smile, quick wit, and compassionate presence brought comfort and joy to all who crossed his path. A true gentleman in every sense, he treated everyone with kindness and respect, making those around him feel valued and heard.

Until we meet again, may Grant’s love for the outdoors, generosity of spirit, and dedication to helping others continue to inspire us!

As per Grant’s wishes, there will be no formal Celebration of Life. His family will gather privately to share cherished memories and honor the beautiful life he and Marian built together. For those who wish to share their condolences, the family kindly requests that condolence cards be mailed to Carol Crichton at 2650 West 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1T3.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grant’s memory may be made to the Yaletown House Foundation, 1099 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5A8 (https://www.yaletown.org/donate/). The compassionate staff at Yaletown House provided Grant with unwavering care and support after Marian’s passing, ensuring he was surrounded by kindness until he peacefully reunited with his beloved wife after one year and four days apart. Thanks to your generous contributions, Grant and Marian’s names will forever grace the Memorial Wall - a lasting tribute to two lives well-lived and a love that continues to inspire.