Robert William Harris (Bob), age 80, passed away peacefully after a year long battle with cancer at Sunnybrook Hospital on July 4, 2024. He is survived by his three sons: Bradley Harris (wife: Dominque Curtis Harris and granddaughter: Riley Harris), Andrew Harris, and Patrick Harris.

Bob is also survived by his siblings Jane Harris, Vic Harris, sister-in-law Donna Harris, brother-in-law Hans Kuhnel, his former wife Louise Harris, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Bob is preceded in death by his beloved younger sister, Elizabeth Kuhnel and his parents Robert Johnson Harris and Elizabeth Augusta Harris.

Bob was born on March 1, 1944 in West Toronto. In 1955, the family moved to Etobicoke which Bob called home for much of his life. Growing up, Bob was the consummate older brother — kind, funny, a playful tease and was always hugely supportive of his siblings. He had an amazing joy for music, singing, broadway shows and movies. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, excelling in the 100 and 220 yard dashes and playing York intramural basketball, where he claims to have “lead” the league in scoring.

He attended, and was active in numerous school activities at Royal York Collegiate and York University and won the Red and White award at York for his outstanding contributions to student life. At both high school and university Bob became increasingly engaged in political science and world affairs as well as organizing, promoting and managing events.

Bob, worked in public relations upon graduation before entering his true calling in the field of politics. Bob worked on numerous political campaigns before becoming a regional organizer for the Ontario PC Party in the 1970's. Bob became a key member of the "Big Blue Machine" in the 1980's serving as Executive Director of the Ontario PC Party under Premier Bill Davis, and later as the party's campaign manager. Bob played significant roles on most conservative campaigns through the 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s. His dedication and success in politics was recognized in 2013 when he was presented with the PC Party's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bob Harris was one of the most caring men you could meet. His ability to find the good in everyone and make those virtues the focus of his relationship truly inspired all that knew him, and it allowed him to create lifelong friendships from every stage of his life going back to pre-school. His sunny disposition, delightful sense of humour, and endless positivity defined his character. He was in his element when he was spending time with those that he loved. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he battled it strong and maintained incredibly high spirits throughout, doing his best to console his family and friends.

The Harris family would like to say a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph's and Sunnybrook, especially those in the palliative care wing that took such wonderful care of him in his final two months.

There will be a private family burial, and the celebration of life will take place on July 23rd at 2pm at the Old Mill in Etobicoke in the Brule Room.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.