I was deeply saddened to learn of Gary Harris’s passing.
I first met Gary at MoMo’s restaurant. Jack and Joan Donald suggested he call me and set up a lunch.
Jack and Gary were good friends, and Jack believed that there might be opportunities of mutual interest to explore.
Jack and Joan are incredible supporters of RDC and were instrumental in enabling us to create the Donald School of Business downtown, and the new Donald Health and Wellness Centre.
So, when Gary called, I knew that he was someone I wanted to get to know.
I liked Gary immediately upon meeting him. He was kind, generous and modest. But most interestingly, he was fascinated with education and its impact on people and communities. He was talking my language and we easily slipped into a wide-ranging discussion on the college and its future.
He was very interested in our plans to become a university and our plans to expand our facilities and programs. Gary could see the impact that a change in status would have on our learners, businesses and our community’s reputation. He wanted to help, and help, he most certainly did.
I suggested he meet with Michael Donlevy, our vice-president of community relations, to work out details of where he could contribute.
This led to his decision to provide what was an amazing philanthropic investment – the largest single donation in RDC’s history to date – toward construction of the building that honours his legacy.
On the beautiful campus of RDC, soon to be RDU, the majestic Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre took shape.
Gary and Ruth’s contribution to our city didn’t stop there. His role in supporting the Canada Winter Games is but another example of his generosity.
Others can speak to his role in the games much better than I, but I was privileged to observe his passion yet again for our community.
Gary and Ruth Harris’s generosity helped shape the future of our great college and the city of Red Deer.
He was admired and respected by many. He will be missed.
Joel Ward, Victoria
Joel Ward is former CEO and president of Red Deer College