Peter Harris

November 20, 2010

TRAVERSE CITY — Peter Duncan Harris Sr., 62, formerly of Hazel Park, passed away peacefully at home in Traverse City on Nov. 20, 2010, surrounded by loved ones. Through his valiant battle with lung disease and post polio syndrome, Peter never lost his wit or sense of humor, keeping those around him laughing.Peter was born on June 14, 1948, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, to the late William J. Harris Sr. and Marjorie (Harris) Luther. As a child Peter showed great interest in heavy equipment, and his mother often found him sitting on a sand pile watching the backhoes, bulldozers and excavators at nearby construction sites. While still in his teens Peter obtained a special license to operate heavy equipment. Later Peter went on to own and operate his own excavating company, P.D. Harris Excavating of Hazel Park, until he became disabled.As a teenager, when Peter was not working, he could be found cruising Woodward Avenue in his 1958 Corvette or riding down Brickley Avenue on his Lambretta motor scooter or Honda motorcycle. On Sept. 21, 1968, Peter married the love of his life, the former Nancy Ogrodnik, and settled in Hazel Park. Although the marriage ended in divorce, he continued to hold her in the highest regard until the end. Peter was a generous soul who would give the shirt off his back. His home was open to anyone needing a place to lay their head or a hot meal. There was nothing he would not share with those in need. He will be truly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly. Peter was preceded in death by his father, William John Harris Sr.; his mother, Marjorie P. Luther; his daughter, Tracy Kay Harris; and his oldest nephew, William John Harris III.Peter is survived by his ex-wife and the mother of his children, Nancy (Ogrodnik) Nollen, of Macomb Township; his cherished son, Peter Duncan Harris Jr.; his son's wonderful fiancée, Karla Considine, both of Sterling Heights; his brother, William (Wendy) Harris, of Fort Myers; his sister, Brenda (Jim) Kroupa, of Traverse City; his nieces, Lisa (Jeff) Cushion, of Cape Coral, and Marjorie (William) Shermeta, of Traverse City; his nephews, Kevin (Patty) Harris, of Fort Myers, Daniel (Michele) Phifer, of Interlochen, and Edward (Heather) McCann, of Grawn; and many great-nieces and nephews. Peter is also survived by his two special friends, Zane Riehl, of Warren, and Debi Murphy, of Hazel Park.At Peter's request, cremation has taken place. There will be no services. A private family memorial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to either the Easter Seals, the American Lung Association, the March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, the Hazel Park Fire Department, Blair Township Rescue or your local food pantry in Peter's name. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.