William Harris

Dr. William Gordon “Bill” Harris, DDS, 62, a long-time resident of Magrath peacefully passed away Friday night, May 11, 2018 in Lethbridge, AB., after a nine-month tiresome, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born September 2, 1955 in Ottawa, ON to Lewis Harold Harris and Deon (Strate) Harris, Bill, the third of five children spent his younger years in Ottawa but moved to Lethbridge as a teenager where he graduated from LCI. Bill went on to receive his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of Alberta.

Soon after beginning his lifelong passion in dentistry, Bill married the eternal love of his life, Wendy Lynn Baker, in the Cardston Alberta Temple on a typically windy southern Alberta day. The two were sealed together for time and eternity on May 29, 1982. Together they moved to Lethbridge, AB to start his dental practice and, soon thereafter, a family. Bill and Wendy eventual planted roots in Magrath where they raised their five wonderful children: Matt (Casey) Harris, DDS, Brett Harris, DDS, Melia (David) Lewis, RDH, Seth Harris, and Taite Harris.

Bill had many passions in his life but family, dentistry and his faith were some of the greatest. His dentistry was always of the very highest quality, and all those who knew him held him in very high esteem. Dr. Harris was a dentist who always strove to provide the best care imaginable and was always looking to teach.

Similarly, at 19, Bill taught the gospel to the people in the Switzerland-Geneva Mission as missionary for his church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With an unshakable faith in his Father in Heaven, Bill knew he’d be able to see his family again and that, through his Savior’s greatest gift, his body would be made whole after this battle.

Bill is survived by his wife, children, four grandchildren and siblings—Robert (Ina) Harris, Kenneth (Cathie) Harris, Patricia (Kenneth) Hanson. He’s preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother Ronald Harris is having a joyous reunion with them as we speak.

Bill loved life and everything that came with it. Outside of dentistry and the gospel, Bill never missed a chance to watch his beloved Blue Jays, catch a hockey game or take to the golf course with his wife. He loved learning. And, specifically, he loved learning about his family history.

Last, and certainly not least, Bill loved his sleep. And for those who knew him, 10:30 was as sacred to him as Wayne Gretzky is to hockey. So, to end, we say, “it’s 10:30 somewhere, Dad. Rest well and we’ll see you soon. We love you.”

A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, May 18, 2018 in the Magrath Cemetery.

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