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Alex
Harris
Apr 22, 1950 — Sep 26, 2026
Opaskwayak, Manitoba
Alex William Harris was born on Saturday, April 22, 1950, in The Pas, Manitoba.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-grandfather, and friend, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 76 years.
As a child, Alex battled tuberculosis, leading to his treatment at Clearwater Lake Indian Hospital, a segregated sanatorium. He was later transferred to Brandon Indian Sanatorium, and finally to Ninette Sanatorium, all for the same illness. After being discharged, he returned home but did not stay long. As a teenager seeking work, he joined the railway's Extra Gang.
In his twenties, he married his first love, Rosemary, and they started a family. Throughout his life, Alex worked at the mill until retirement. Though the marriage ended, they remained friends. At the mill, he experienced multiple name changes and worked in all departments, building many friendships and always helping coworkers.
Alex was a devoted family man, working hard to provide for his loved ones. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply, treasuring every moment with them. He enjoyed watching hockey and soccer; in his early days, he played with the Big Eddy Warriors.
He was also a strong advocate for Native rights. He admired Leonard Peltier of the American Indian Movement and displayed his picture proudly in his room. Through these beliefs, he aimed to teach his children the importance of advocating for those who cannot help themselves and supporting others.
In his later years, Alex moved to Brandon, MB, and resided in a housing complex where he developed a close friendship with a man they both met at Ninette Sanatorium as children. Their bond grew, and they became like brothers. Residents affectionately called him "Rooster," and they became like family.
Alex is survived by his first wife, Rosemary Head. His children: Sylvia Grey (Andy), Alex Harris Jr. (Charlene), Steve Harris, Zaccheus Harris, April Harris. Ashley Halkett, Karena Halkett. Grandchildren: Alexander, Seneca, Lia Rose, Zaccheus Jr. Kordell, Brett, Emma-Leigh, Lezlee, Lazarus, Izreal, Ezra, Ezekiel, Heavenlee, Elijah. His brothers and sisters: Sally Wilson, Josephine Asmus, Edward Harris (Darlene), John "Sam" Harris (Barbara), Wilfred Harris (Sandra), Darlene Harris (Maggie), Gary Harris (Helena), Rose Young, Clara Harris. Sisters-in-law: Patricia Lathlin, Lucy Harris. Auntie: Maple Cooper. His friends: Louie McGillivary, George Peltier, Gordon McGillivary, Patrick "Panther" Ballantyne, George Summers, Leo Marcellais.
Alex was predeceased by his parents, Lazarus and Anne Harris. Maternal grandparents: John Head and Betsy Head. Paternal grandparents: Lazarus and Sally (nee: Constant) Harris. Brothers: Willie Harris, Charles Sr. Harris, Francis "Frank" Harris, David Lathlin. Brothers-in-law: John Wilson, Cecil Asmus, James Cook, Bruce Young. Son-in-law Leslie Hastings. Uncle Samuel Head. If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.
Wake Service
Monday, October 5, 2026 5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB
Funeral Service
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 1:00 pm
Church of the Redeemer, Opaskwayak, MB
Presider: Rev. Charlie Lathlin
Music Ministry: Russell Cook Memorial Singers
Interment
St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery, Opaskwayak, MB
Pallbearers
Zaccheus Harris, Steve Harris, Alex Harris Jr.,
Maurice Ballantyne, Cree Constant-Harris,
Joe Wilson, Harvey Asmus, John Wilson,
Malcolm Lathlin, Edward Young.
Honorary Pallbearers
All Alex's Family and Friends.
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home's or family's consent
Monday
Margaret Henderson Parish Hall
Starts at 7:00 pm
Wednesday
Church of the Redeemer
Starts at 1:00 pm
Wednesday
St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery
Starts at 3:00 pm
Wednesday
Margaret Henderson Parish Hall
Starts at 4:00 pm
Visits: 4
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