Lee William Harris

Lee Harris liked to keep his life simple, with his family at the center and his outdoor recreation just a little off to the side. His personality appreciated an adventure, and you could often find him deer hunting or fishing or four wheeling in his truck. Yet, his greatest happiness in life was being a devoted father to his two daughters, whom he adored.

The 1970s were a time of great technological change in America. As computers and space exploration continued to evolve, millions became fixated on television shows and movies that explored these themes. For Allen and Judy (Martin) Harris of Douglas, Michigan, they were also preparing for a great change in their household as they anxiously awaited the birth of their first child. On March 7, 1972, their son, Lee, was born at Allegan Hospital, a truly proud day for them.

Lee lived in Douglas until his was five, but then the family moved to Grand Haven, where he spent the majority of his growing up years. Although both his parents worked at HJ Heinz Company in Holland, they choose to live in Grand Haven because it was centrally located between Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Holland, where their relatives lived. Lee attended the Grand Haven Public Schools and participated in Boy Scouts. After graduating from Grand Haven High School, he went on to attend Ferris State University, where he earned an Associates Degree. Lee then put his education to good use and went to work at Johnson Controls as a machine operator in their Lakewood Plant. He was an honest, hardworking employee here for the past nine years. In addition to his job, Lee also served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves for eight years.

Lee was briefly married for a time, and they had a daughter named Sailor Brooke, who is now three years old. Lee was currently engaged to Amber Crain and they also have a daughter together named Victoria Elizabeth. Lee was devoted to his daughters and made sure they had everything they needed.

From a very young age, Lee loved being outdoors. He enjoyed all kinds of recreational activities, including riding motorcycles and three wheelers. Lee also liked catching frogs and putting them in his little kiddie pool until he let them go at the end of the day. As he got older, fishing became one of Lee's favorite pastimes and this was quite evident by the 29 lb. lake trout and 16 lb. brown trout that were mounted on his wall at home. Although Lee maintained he liked big lake fishing the best, he still liked ice fishing on occasion. He also enjoyed fishing expeditions with his father and uncle in Canada. Out of the water, Lee liked deer hunting with his Uncle Danny and had a ten-point buck on his bragging list. He and his Uncle Danny also went four wheeling with his Dodge truck; they were both just big kids. Lee loved spending time with his Grandma Martin learning how to cook and will be lovingly remembered for his kind, loving nature and his deep commitment to family.

Lee W. Harris, age 33, of Grand Haven, MI, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2006. His grandfathers, Jack A. Harris and Daniel Hugh Martin, preceded him in death. Lee is survived by his children: Sailor Brooke Harris and Victoria Elizabeth Harris; his fiancé, Amber Crain, of Grand Haven formerly of Traverse City; his parents, Allen and Judy Harris of Grand Haven; his grandmothers, Nora Martin of Fennville and Bernice Harris of Muskegon; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, with Pastor Robert Rogers officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 11, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Mulder Chapel. Burial will take place at Robinson Township Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Lee, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association.