Mrs. G. Ann Harris

Love is who she was. Mrs. G. Ann Harris (nee Butcher) age 77 of High River passed peacefully in the presence of her loving family on November 30, 2021 at the High River Hospital. Ann was born in Calgary on May 30, 1944, the second daughter of Bob and Margaret Butcher. The family moved to High River where Ann and her dear sister, Donna, were part of the downtown kids gang. Ann began to form friendships with the “Sentimental Six” which she cherished and maintained her whole life long. These same grade-school girlfriends went on cruises and celebrated their 70th birthdays together touring Catalina Island. Ann discovered a love of horses through her good friend, Patty Moshenross (nee Jenkins), who gave her a lifetime of memories driving cattle from west of Cayley to south of Turner Valley. At 16, Ann worked for the Morrison family on their farm at Tongue Creek, cooking, cleaning and looking after children. Travelling the countryside with her wonderful Dad delivering fuel in the UFA truck, she acquired knowledge of the farms of the foothills and the families who lived there. Ann often reflected on her high school years and Teen Town dances at the Memorial Centre in High River as the best time and place to be a teenager. She loved the music, the fashion, but most of all the cars! One day, near the end of high school, a beautiful, white 1960 Pontiac Convertible rolled up in front of the high school. Its driver was a handsome, dark-haired Turner Valley cowboy named Lorne Harris. Ann and her SS pals hopped in and her heart was lost to him forever. After high school Ann worked for Dick Liddell at Hi-Alta Agencies where her connections to the High River community deepened; she knew everyone in town. Ann and Lorne were married on August 15, 1964 and set off to Kamloops, BC during the construction boom to begin to build their life together. There they set up roots and forged many life-long friendships, including our much loved Seven Evans. Ten years and four kids later, High River called them home again. Ann took a job at the bottle depot and stepped fully into her role as hockey mom. Hockey provided an even deeper connection to community. In 1985 she started working at the Pioneer Credit Union and she treasured her friendships with the Credit Union staff. Members were greeted by her warm smile for close to 20 years. Ann simply loved her hometown and the people in it. “I just love High River” she would say. She often spoke of her appreciation for Dr. Keith Spackman, Dr. Ron Gorsche, and in her last years Dr. Lee Rehak. Ann was also grateful to the staff at the High River Hospital for the tremendous care she and Lorne received over the years. It didn’t matter the venue or event, Ann was happiest when her family was together. Her most cherished time of year was Christmas. She made her own beautiful bows and wrapped every gift with love. There was no mistaking which ones were from Gramma. Ann never wanted to miss her kids’ or grandkids’ hockey games, cheering loudly and proudly for all at every game. She also loved attending football and baseball games, 4H events, dance competitions, plays and performances. She was everyone’s biggest fan. Ann loved music and when the family got together, they got out their guitars. She never missed a note. Ann’s genuine smile, happiness and positivity were profoundly infectious. A short visit with her could completely change your day. And whether people knew Ann for five minutes or 50 years, she made you feel cared for and important. When her beloved Lorne passed on Canada Day 2019 Ann’s health began to decline. In spite of a multitude of health issues, she never lost hope. Ann was steadfast in her love for her family and her community. Her bright light is carried on by her sons Gerald (Lori), Kenny (Roxanna), Keith (Terri); her daughter Loree (John); her grandchildren Braeden, Coleton, Jake, Evan, Tate, Andie, Jackson, Carter, Katie, Will, Sophie and Sarah and also her “number four son” Mark Egeland (Sue) and Hunter. In lieu of flowers, Ann would wish you and your family to enjoy something wonderful together at Christmas. ❤️ A Celebration of Ann’s Life was held on Monday, December 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the Highwood Memorial Centre in High River. A video recording of Ann's service is available on her Tribute Page at www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mrs. G. Ann Harris

May 30, 1944 - November 30, 2021