Robert B. Harris

Robert B. Harris, 66 of Old Saybrook passed away December 29, 2012. He was born March 30, 1946 in New Britain, CT. He is the son of Richard and Marion (Herpst) Harris. Robert is preceded in death by parents and brother, Richard Harris. He is survived by two children; son, Robert Harris and his wife Lauren ( Furey) of Old Saybrook, daughter, Cynthia Torres and her husband, Ivan of Old Saybrook, four grandchildren; Deryk Artioli, Devin Harris, Carlin Huckel and Isabel Torres and a sister, Gloria Eustis and her husband Weymouth of Chester.

Bob will be remembered by his friends and family as an avid fisherman, hunter, and one who had a deep respect and adoration for nature. He was extraordinarily unique in his view on life. His perspective gave great joy to those who knew him, especially in the language that he used to describe his everyday adventures. Bob had a great passion for the Harris family traditions, the Town of Old Saybrook and conservation. He, like his parents before him, carved working and decorative duck decoys that graced homes and waterways nationwide. Bob’s painting and carving style was proudly traditional. He was regarded as a master carver in waterfowl and naturalist circles alike. One of Bob’s greatest joys was helping to develop a fish ladder to promote the migration of the alewives and eels in Old Saybrook at the Ingham Hill and Chalker Mill Pond locations.

Bob was a lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. He was also a very proud military serviceman who served in the United States Army as a Vietnam-era veteran. He was a patriot and honest man who loved all creatures, especially dogs. He will be missed dearly. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a memorial service on Sunday, January 6 at 1 PM at the Fireman’s Field, 210 Elm Street in Old Saybrook. Swan Funeral Home, Old Saybrook will be handling the services. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for memorial tributes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ducks Unlimited, Shoreline Chapter, CT017: C/O 70 High Ridge Road, Guilford, CT 06437 or Connecticut Waterfowl Association (CWA), PO Box 74, Bozrah, CT 06334-0074 in memory of Robert Harris.