Obituary of Roy Arthur Harris

Harris, Roy Arthur
April 28, 1934 – July 29, 2025

Roy passed away peacefully at Kingston General Hospital in his 92nd year.

Roy is survived by his wife Veronica, children Linda Peck (Chris Peck), Mark Harris (Teresa Mallen), and Debbie Harris (Garry Sterling), and step-sons Michael Padfield (Tanya Mushynski) and Julian Padfield (Virginia Priscus), grandchildren Kiery (Mike), Sharra, Alex (Olivia) and Graham; step-grandchildren, Lauren, Fraser, Dylan and Rhys; great grandchildren Blaidd, Rhianna, Natalie and Luke. Predeceased by parents Frank and Gertrude Harris (nee Samson), and siblings Ena Hayward (Robert), Mervyn (Peggy), Philip (Joan), Edith, Marjorie Hudson (Maurice) and Joan Mortimore (Gilbert). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Roy was born in Barnstaple, Devon in the UK. Following national service, he served as a police officer in Bournemouth. In 1957 Roy and his former spouse Jill immigrated to Canada and spent 10 years in Toronto where Roy was a police officer. After relocating to Kingston, Roy became a guard at the Kingston Penitentiary. In 1973 he purchased a campground business on Upper Rideau Lake near Westport, and taught driver’s education during the winter months.

An active member for many years of the Royal Canadian Legion in Westport, Roy also served his community as a village councillor.

After marrying Veronica in October, 1997, they built a lovely waterfront home on the property, running a bed and breakfast for several years. They later retired and relocated to Kingston where they enjoyed many years of volunteering and travel.

Roy loved the land and the outdoors, including mowing the acres of grass at the campground. He enjoyed fishing, boating, sailing, playing euchre and watching Bournemouth football. He was always up for some fun and a good time, and socializing over a rye and coke. He will be remembered for his wit, sense of humour and willingness to lend a hand.

Roy will be dearly missed by family and friends.

We wish to thank the staff of Trillium Long Term Care Home and the Kingston General Hospital for their compassionate care of Roy.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 15th 2-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Kingston branch 560, 734 Montreal St. Kingston, ON K7K 3J4.  Should you wish, donations in Roy’s honour may be made to Parkinson Canada, www.parkinson.ca or University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (KGH).