Update – Wayne Harris Funeral Notice

Wayne Richard Harris – June 12, 1947 ~ September 2, 2023 (age 76)

We are greatly saddened to announce the passing of Wayne Richard Harris, at the age of 76, from complications of cancer, on September 2, 2023, at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Born in East York (Toronto) on June 12, 1947, the sixth child of the late Jeanette Norval Harris (nee Kennedy) and Frederick Norman Harris. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Joanne (nee Runia).

His sisters June Duncombe (Bob), Olive O’Connor (Jim), and Isobel Heggie (Jock), and brothers Frederick and Thomas predeceased him.

He will be missed dearly by nieces Janet Ruebottom (Alan), and Kathy Dearing, and nephews Robert Duncombe (Yvonne), James O’Connor (Diane), and Thomas O’Connor (Sheree). Sister-in-law Wilma Runia, brother-in-law John Runia, and nephews and nieces Michael and Kevin Runia, and Jennifer Handley and Michelle Dickie, all loved him & will miss him.

Wayne chose a life of service as a Firefighter with the Scarborough Fire Department, rising through the ranks to District Chief. There he made lifelong friends and met his best friend Ron Appleton, with whom he shared countless memorable experiences.

He had the gift of finding humour in even the most unlikely situations, bringing laughter to all who surrounded him. Wayne lived a life full, and loved his family, friends, neighbours, dogs, cars, traveling, his old cottage, and so much more.

You will be missed!

We would like to thank the excellent team at Markham Stouffville Hospital who helped us get through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Hospice Fund.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Wayne in the weeks to come.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, (905-852-3073). For online condolences please visit www.lowandlow.ca


Wayne R. Harris – 1947 ~ 2023

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Retired District Chief Wayne Harris seniority #372. He passed away on Saturday morning, September 2nd. Wayne was struck by stage 4 liver cancer only a few weeks ago and passed away at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Sadly Wayne’s wife, Joanne passed away just a year and a half earlier.
Wayne started with Scarborough Fire Department on the 8th of September 1969 and retired after 33 years of service as a District Chief.

Wayne always loved to share stories and memories – he will be missed but never forgotten.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Wayne’s Family and Friends from the Scarbrough Firefighters Retirees.

Funeral details to follow.