Born In Regina to parents William Gerome (Bill) Harris and Helen Mary Margaret, he grew up in Lethbridge where his family grew grain on Blood Reserve south of town. He started his working life ranching 250 head of cattle near Brooks, Alberta.
But the skies called him, so he got his wings and flew for Southwest Aviation. And then the Island called to him next, and he brought his family to Courtenay, BC, in August 1970.
Turned his hand to carpentry, which he loved…he had a good eye for finishing detail. The construction industry was booming then and he was very successful, building homes in the Courtenay Comox area.
Marna was not afraid of hard work. He appreciated people with a strong work ethic. He was knowledgeable about everything he put his mind to; if he didn't know, he would learn it.
Like on a much-remembered family vacation up the inside passage to Alaska in 1975, the idea of commercial fishing caught his eye.
Soon after he bought "The Dauntless", his first troller/gillnetter.
And then built a fiberglass troller named "Lady Laura" after his daughter.
Commercial fishing became the love of Marna's life for many years. In 1989, he bought the 61 foot "Pacific Concept" and fished salmon, halibut, herring, and tuna up the BC coast. He was one of the top 10 salmon trollers in the 1980’s, winning awards for quality products from Aero Fishing Trading Co.
The other love of Marna's life was his family. He had three children, Laura Lee, Garth, and Bradley. Over time, his family expanded to include 4 granddaughters, 4great-grandchildren, and lots of nieces & nephews and their kids, including many others he loved, Jim (Laura).He loved spending time with them all. He was very kind and generous… always helping everyone out.
Marna usually had some sort of passion project on the go.
He built his dream home in Metchosin (outside of Victoria).
With koi ponds, a tranquil waterfall and lush gardens, it was the perfect place to host and entertain family and friends, which he loved to do…. the more, the merrier.
As time went on, he learned to loosen up which brought out his sense of humor and made him entertaining. Although his hearing was declining, that didn’t stop him from smiling and enjoying your company...especially if you were a lady...
Slowing down meant an annual 3 month trip to Florida to golf and relax in the sun with his wonderful southern friends and golf buddies.
But not this year, because Marna passed away at home unexpectedly on September 7, 2021 with his friend Janice by his side.
Marna Garth Harris, we're going to miss you. Your sense of adventure, and your laugh. Your strong work ethic. Your tremendous knowledge. Your generosity and kindness. Your love for your family and friends.
Your time here is done. Relax and have a beverage at the big Koi pond in the sky. You've earned it.
And we'll love you always.
Children: Laura Lee (Bob), Garth, and Bradley, Dear friend Janice, Siblings: Darryl (Joan) Jay (Cynthia) and Maureen (Andy)
Granddaughters: Jenna, Ashley, Sarah, and Hayley, Great-grandchildren: Sophia, Talon, Alistair, Remy, nieces and nephews Darilyn, Dawn, Scott, Cameron, Lisa, Shayne, Tyler, and great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18