I always find it fascinating to relive someone’s story.
More than that, going through old documents and seeing what someone deemed important about someone’s life is always interesting.
Read more: Column: A pivotal player in Lloyd
Today’s subject, Ronald Carlyle Harris, accomplished plenty in his life.
He was born in Colonsay, Sask., and was one of five kids. Once he finished high school, he went to work for the Massey Harris farm outside of Saskatoon. His passion for flying, however, would soon see him take a different direction.
He enrolled in the aeronautical training course at Saskatchewan Technical Collegiate. He graduated with honours and volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
His class was then invited to enrol in the 1940 class of aircraft mechanics destined for the RCAF. Harris’ first posting was in Brandon, Man., where he took basic training. This was followed by a four-month intensive course to specialize in the latest V12 Rolls Royce Aircraft engine.
He was then posted to the No. 9 services flying training school in Summerside, P.E.I.
It was during this time that he courted and later married Florence Edna MacInnis. They met while Harris was stationed in Yarmouth, N.S.
What’s fascinating about the start to his marriage was the fact he was so busy with work he was given three hours off to go get married, which included an hour-long honeymoon.
Harris then went to Gander, N.L., and began flying as a flight engineer on long-range patrol aircraft assigned to the 162 BR Squadron. He even got to fly an amphibian flying boat, which I think is pretty neat.
Despite only being 23 years old, Harris was given the nickname “Grandpa” by the seven other crew members on long-range missions.
A notable moment from his flying career, his longest flight over the Atlantic Ocean was 18.5 hours, providing safe protection to the passenger ship the Queen Mary.
He completed a tour of operational flying after 90 missions in search of enemy subs over the Atlantic before holding the position of senior flight engineer with the eastern air command aircrew assessment board.
He was decorated with a gold leaf for above-average service and was the first flight engineer to be promoted to the rank of officer.
When the war ended, he chose to move his wife and son to Saskatoon. They’d have two more boys in Saskatoon and the family of five moved to Lloydminster in 1948.
Harris founded Harris Electric Company Ltd. in 1949. He was very active in his business interests, electrical contracting, transportation, leasing of property, audio and electronics manufacturing.
He was involved with Rotary and was past president of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, and past president of 605 Wing RCAF Association.
If I were to mention everything Harris was involved in, my entire column would likely be one long list. He kept himself very busy and was always involved in the community.
In 1966, Harris was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration Medal and the Centennial Medal in 1967. He was also the Lions Club Citizen of the year in 1978.
Another major moment in Harris’ life came in 1951 when he stopped drinking. He worked with Slim Thorpe and the hospital board to found the Thorpe Recovery Centre and spent 25 years on the board of directors.
He passed away on June 4, 1999, as a result of heart problems. Harris realized that day he wasn’t feeling well and was going to go to the doctor, but he stopped at a hotel on the way to help a friend who was in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
I’m not sure there’s a more selfless action than giving your last moments on earth to help someone else. Harris cared for his community and the people that called the Border City home.
Read more: Column: The Shiloh People and Black History Month
