Christopher Paul Harris' Obituary
Christopher Paul Harris, 57, passed away peacefully after courageously battling brain cancer, on December 31, 2022.
He was born on September 19, 1965, the son of Ralph "Whitey" and Joyce (Storey) Harris. Chris grew up in Reed City. After graduating high school he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country with honor.
Chris had a lifelong passion for farming and was a dairy farmer for many years. In recent years, he raised cattle, sheep and horses, with his wife Denise on their family farm. His passion for farming began at an early age while helping his father "Whitey" with chores. Chris enjoyed the company of his father and younger brother, Scott, on the farm during planting and harvesting seasons. One of his favorite pastimes was a leisurely ride through country backroads sightseeing. Chris also loved tractor pulling and pulled on occasion himself. Chris got a thrill out of a friendly lunch wager with his brother Scott, Fred or the Morlock family. Hoping to win and earn bragging rights until the next pull.
Chris was an accomplished truck driver outside of farming. He drove a milk truck and hauled grain and commodities before driving for Michael Oil and Propane Company.
Chris was a hunter and he looked forward to deer hunting season every year. He went deer hunting this year while fighting his illness and even got his buck. He enjoyed snowmobiling and had a collection of antique snowmobiles that he rebuilt and restored. Chris attended an annual snowmobile show in the Upper Peninsula with his cousin, Lonnie and good buddy, Bill.
Chris was beloved by all who knew him in the community. He always had a good story or a joke to share and would always make the time to stop and chat. Chris was easily satisfied with a cup of coffee and good conversation with just about anyone. He maintained a great sense of humor throughout his life, and he held onto it until the end. He kept his family and medical providers on their toes as they tried to keep up with his wit.
Chris touched the lives and hearts of all who knew him, and there are no words to express the sadness and loss we feel at this time. Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce (Storey) Harris (1997), and his sister, Debbie (Harris) Knapp (2021). He is survived by his wife, Denise Harris, father, Ralph "Whitey" (Joann) Harris, of Jackson. Chris will be deeply missed by his sister, Shelley Harris, of Grand Rapids, sister, Kelley (David) VanAlstine, of Big Rapids, and brother, Scott Harris, of Reed City, mother-in-law, Virginia Horgan, of Big Rapids, sister-in-law, Randi Hatchew, of Big Rapids, and sister-in-law Susie Parkinson, of Florida, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Last but not least, he will be missed by his furry family members, Teddy, Lucky, Peanut and Lilly.
Chris' family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Fremont Compassion House and Hospice of Michigan for the loving care he received.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Chris's family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2023, at the funeral home and beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Newaygo County Compassion Home, 20 S Stewart Ave, Fremont, MI 49412.
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