Obituary of Paul Day Harris

It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Day Harris announces his passing on January 2, 2026, at Pine Grove Nursing Home, at the age of 89. Born in Southampton, NB, on September 6, 1936.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, Dawn Elaine Harris, parents, Perley and Florence Harris, brother, David, and son-in-law, Eric.

He leaves behind his children, Pamela Brewer (Eric), and Matthew Harris (Loretta), grandchildren, Adam, Amanda (Tristan), Andrew, Jacob, and Nickolas, as well as great grandchildren, Evelyn, and Logan.

The life/journey of Paul Day Harris begins on a farm where work and responsibility went hand and hand. A place where there was always something that needed to be done and everyone was expected to pull their weight, and a place that character was built. Paul went to work in the lumber industry at the age of 14, days were long and the work was strenuous. In his early twenties he started building homes in the Fredericton area, the same place he met the love of his life and soul mate, Dawn. Soon after, they married and started their family. To provide for his family, Paul embraced many endeavors throughout his life; opening a hardware store, a marine shop, and building apartments. As one task was answered another would present itself. He accepted all challenges, to provide for those that he loved. Paul toned his larger-than-life personality, harnessed his charisma and embarked on the world of sales, excelling and becoming a staple in the snowmobile, firearm, and pool industries. For enjoyment over the years Paul collected many trophies for racing cars, boats, and snowmobiles. 

Strength of character, strong work ethic, commitment to family, charismatic personality, intelligence and courage are the words that come to mind as we think of Paul. Those who knew Paul will undoubtedly be able to remember instances that would apply to most, if not all the above mentioned. Paul's moral code and his sense of right and wrong never faltered, and his work ethic as well as his expectations of those working beside him were always clear.  His intelligence and ability to find solutions to problems, paired with his courage and conviction to move forward, made him unstoppable. Even when challenged or placed in difficult situations, his spirit and charismatic personality would rise to the occasion often making friend of foe or a least gaining the respect of an adversary. 

Above all else Paul's commitment to family was his greatest attribute. Whenever he was needed, he always answered the call, showing time and time again to those he loved the strength of his commitment.  We the family of Paul Harris are truly blessed for having him in our lives and will always remember him and his sacrifices. 

A visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 6 – 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2 pm with Rev. Mary Tingley officiating. Interment will be held at the Sunny Bank Cemetery in the spring. For those who wish, donations in Paul's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.