Obituary of Ray Harvey Harris

Approaching 100 years in age, “Big Daddy” Ray Harris has run out of challenges to overcome and has decided to move on. Unlike his hero, Don Quixote, Ray never met a windmill he couldn’t tilt while chasing so many impossible dreams. With his hair and hearing almost gone and his body wrecked by athletic injuries and three bouts of cancer, he persisted and succeeded long after most others had “jumped ship.” A more-fierce competitor never existed.

Always unemployed/self-employed, he created innovative residential projects, thriving retail centers, dog parks, research parks, a senior housing and assisted living complex and even a successful public middle school. He saved the Sears building from demolition and even wrote two books: Out of My Mind, an illustrated self-deprecating autobiography, and Welcome to Wynott about his efforts in a world of constant but resisting change. He was lead champion and volunteer for many community needs, including the Sholom Alliance and Loring Park Dog Park, and he brought broad community focus to the importance of water in Minnesota.

During his life journey, and almost always accompanied by his favorite dog, he was a cowboy, a wrestler, a beach bum, an army vet; he sat in the electric chair (for fun), survived a house fire, and even walked on water.

Slightly outspoken and unabashedly humble, Ray the curmudgeon was an old school guy – the butt of everyone’s jokes and infamous for his choice of clothing ensembles. He leaves as the self-anointed world’s cribbage champion.

He cherished his family, all of them, his lake cabin, and his City of Minneapolis.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Eleanor, his brothers Frank and John, sister-in-law Molly, nephew Kevin, mother of his children, Alta Harris, and many other forebears including Adam and Eve. Left behind are those who tolerated him – his children Dan and Liz, Rachel and Chuck, Bill, Sarah and David, Julianne (daughter by choice), and all of their children – Aleah, Shayna, Jacob, Claire, Chet, Alexandra; cousins Joan and Harvey, and niece, Cecily.

A celebration of his life will be held on July 17, 2025 at 2:00 at Temple Israel (2323 Fremont Ave, Mpls, MN) with reception to follow.