RICHARD DREW HARRIS -

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RICHARD DREW HARRIS 1948 - 2011 Bigger than life in both personality and physical presence, Richard Harris was known as a man with an especially large heart. On July 26, 2011 his heart suddenly gave out, unable to continue sustaining such a constant outpour of love, affection, and true respect for all that he encountered. His quick and sudden passing leaves a hole in our hearts as large as Richard himself was. It is truly impossible to capture Richard in words. Quick with a glowing smile and a hearty laugh, he made connections with people in seconds that could last a lifetime. He was a man who always had a minute to stop and talk to anyone, and a way of making each and every person he met feel like they were the most special person on the earth in that second. A man famous for his hugs, he didn't save them just for those closest; he was known to pull just about anyone he encountered into his arms and wrap them up tight in a warm embrace. As a football coach, he was a role model, a mentor, a leader, and a friend. Active in many charities and organizations, he was always the first to volunteer to visit an ill fan in the hospital or to take a moment to motivate the youth of the city. His example will continue to inspire those who knew him for years to come. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remembered always by his wife Tami; daughters, Kimberly, Chianti Dawn and Jennifer; son Michael; grandchildren, Chandler, Keegan-Michael and Aurora; son-in-law Michael; sister Mittie and countless family, friends, co-workers, players and coaches. A memorial service celebrating Richard's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 7 at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, 955 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg. For those who were fans of Richard and for out-of-town family and friends, the memorial service will be available via live webcast linked to www.nbardal.mb.ca or www.bluebombers.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Football Manitoba, 145 Pacific Avenue, Room 506, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2Z6. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2011