George (Duke) Francis Harris

George Duke Harris

February 25, 1942 - August 2, 2017

It is with a broken heart we announce, after a courageous battle recovering from heart surgery, Duke lost his fight.  Duke is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor Harris, daughter Kimberly Drury, and son-in-law Brad Drury. He was the best ‘Pazzy’ to his pride and joy grandchildren Lauren Drury (Brad Hodgson) and Aaron Drury. Great grandfather to his special great grandson Hunter Hodgson.  Duke was predeceased by parents George and Elsie Harris, in-laws Lee and Fred Martin, brothers Bill and Bob Maughan and son Bob Harris (March 2005). Having been born in his parent’s home on Alfred Street, Duke was proud of his Point Edward lineage.  Duke played Junior Hockey first in Sarnia for the Sarnia Legionnaires where they won the Junior B Championship, then in St. Catherine's with the Tee Pees winning a Memorial Cup Championship and went on to have a career in the Western Hockey League, American Hockey League and World Hockey Association, highlighted by two championships; the first in Vancouver with the Canucks, and the second in Rochester with the Americans. Following Duke’s retirement from hockey he was fortunate to join Sarnia Cranes, where he spent 25 years as a crane operator.  Duke retired in 2005 to become a full time cab-driver for his grandchildren. ‘Pazzy' never failed to answer the call for a ride, an errand, or whatever Lauren and Aaron needed. Duke loved his vacations in Florida with the “Point Gang” and not too many days went by without a drive to the Saint Clair River to make sure the water was flowing in the right direction!  Hey Buds, we will miss your quick wit and old storytelling.  Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the D. J. ROBB FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTRE on Tuesday August 8th at 11:30 a.m.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home 10:00 a.m. until time of service.  Special thank-you to the entire staff of Cardiac Care ICU at the University Hospital in London, especially Dr. Mary Lee Myers. The entire team offered excellent care to Duker and the rest of our family.  Donations to London Health Sciences Centre “Cardiac Surgery Recovery Unit”, Canadian Mental Health Association or Charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca