Ashley Harris

Ashley was born in the close-knit farming community of Neilburg, Sask, on November 7, 1978, to Carolyn and Glen Harris. He was the oldest of three children. Growing up in Neilburg, Ashley loved to play hockey. When he wasn’t helping out his dad and grandpa on the farm, he spent hours at the rink with his brother and sister, Sheldon and Stephanie. After graduating high school, Ashley attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture. He began his career in Ag with Sask Wheat Pool.

Ashley and Renee met in Regina in 2002. The next year, they moved to Calgary to find work and opportunity. Ashley began his career with Nutrien in 2004, and he and Renee bought their first home, putting down roots in Calgary. All who knew Ashley would not be surprised to know that he threw himself into his work. He quickly moved up the corporate ladder, and he and Renee were transferred to Denver, Colorado, for two years. In 2006, Ashley and Renee were married in Regina, Sask.

After moving back to Calgary, Ashley and Renee started their family. Their first daughter, Skylar, was born on November 27, 2008. In 2010, Ashley’s career took him in another direction, and he accepted a transfer to Brussels, Belgium, to help with opening a new office. While in Belgium, Ashley and Renee welcomed their second daughter, Finley, on July 4, 2011. The family moved back to Calgary in 2012 where they settled into life. As with everything else, Ashley threw himself into being a dad - dance recitals, swimming lessons, gymnastics. He was truly a “girl dad” and he loved it. He learned about Barbies, tea parties, glitter, and makeup - all of which were foreign, and fascinating, to him. He was so proud of his girls.

Ashley had a great love of sports. Hockey, baseball, golf, and F1 racing, to name a few. Ashley also loved to travel. One of his greatest wishes was to continue traveling the world with Renee and the girls. He had a dream to visit every major-league baseball park in America, and at last count, he had visited 30 countries.

Ashley is survived by his wife, Renee; their daughters, Skylar and Finley; his parents, Glen and Carolyn; his siblings, Sheldon (Deena) and Stephanie; his in-laws, Carol and David, Tara and Michael, Jennifer, and his nieces, Ashley and Jayla; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy, Edwin and Rose; his aunt, Mavis, and his uncle, Daryl.

Ashley’s Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 1:00pm at South Calgary Funeral Centre, 12700 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta. Visitation starts at noon. Everyone is welcome to reminisce, to grieve, and support each other.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Epilepsy Canada at www.epilepsy.ca/donate