Philip Newman Harris

Born February 27, 1923, in Old Town, he was the son of Frank E. and Sybil M. (Vincent) Harris. He was a graduate of Old Town High School, served in the United States Coast Guard, and graduated from Husson College and the University of Maine.

He was married to Ruth E. Getchell for 57 years. They made their home in Brewer, then in Madison and Skowhegan, where he taught and coached until 1960. He then became principal at Williams High School in Oakland for three years and returned to Skowhegan as assistant principal and principal until his retirement in 1980.

He was a member of the State Principals' Association, NEA, MTA, Past President of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Association, and a member of the Euclid Lodge of Masons, Madison.

He is survived by three daughters: Gretchen Ramsay and husband Scott of York Harbor and Bonita Springs, Florida, Jackie Stoutamyer and husband Frank of South Paris, and Becky Vaillancourt and husband Dick of Brunswick; eight grandchildren: Todd Stoutamyer and wife Sheila of Illinois, Jill Houghton and husband Lonnie of Gorham, Alison Heath and husband Chad of California, Rachael Duffy and husband Don of South Portland, Jeffrey Ramsay of California, Libby Hunt and husband Kevin of Harpswell, Alan Vaillancourt of South Portland, and Steve Vaillancourt of Topsham; twelve great-grandchildren: Ryan and Ross Stoutamyer, Cole and Cady Houghton, Riley, Braden, and Daphne Heath, Julia, Colin, and Maeve Duffy, and Mason and Hannah Hunt; a sister, Barbara Hatch of New York; a brother Bill Harris of Arizona and Oregon; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Ruth; sisters Cora Burrows, Kate Dow, Marjorie Baynard, Lois White; brothers Roy, Frank, Charlie, Robert, and Pat.

Viewing hours will be held on Monday January 10, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philip N. and Ruth E. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, Skowhegan Area High School, Attn: Jane Bigelow, 140 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976.