Wayne Earl Harris, Sr.

In the early morning hours of October 9, Wayne E. Harris, Sr. lost his battle with cancer. Wayne passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Sept. 9, 1946 in Niskayuna, NY Wayne began a long legacy of love and laughter. He was quick with a joke and usually had a movie quote to match any occasion.

Wayne spent his formative years on a farm in Upstate New York. When not in school Wayne spent his time doing normal chores including gathering eggs, which sometimes found their way into his pockets as his youthful exuberance carried him up the drive to meet his father after work. Wayne also enjoyed watching his mother cook and taking his sister for rides in her wagon.

Wayne married Janet (Offenbacker) on July 1, 1966 in Clifton Park, NY. Three children quickly followed. Wayne was a dedicated family man and supported the many activities associated with children and school. In whatever spare time he had, Wayne would take his children camping, fishing, hunting, ice skating, golfing, and to local events. Wayne would often start the football and baseball games for the neighborhood children.

As his children grew to adulthood Wayne became a grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed this stage of life as he got to share his humor and interests with new generations of children. Kids recognized Wayne as a kindred spirit and there were many outside of his biological family who knew him as "Papa."

Adults who knew Wayne also knew of his love for trivia. Here are a few facts about Wayne that his family would like to share:
- Wayne briefly attended Plattsburgh State College as a music education major.
- Wayne played the trumpet and was an excellent singer.
- Wayne was a member of the Boy Scouts.
- Wayne was in the Order of the Arrow as a child.
- Wayne loved to write homilies for church.
- Wayne had been a member of the Board of Directors for the Converse County Coalition Against Family Violence and was a member of various church boards.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife , Janet; his children, Pamela Maloney, Wayne Harris, Jr., Scott (Deb) Harris; grandchildren, Crystal (James) Russell, Will (Koren) Hoffman, Jr., Kaitlyn Maloney, Jordan Allender, Cameron Allender, And Logen Harris; great -grandchildren Mikayla Rose Martin and Adam Carter; sister, Elaine (Bill) Offenbacker; nieces, Jennifer Barnes and Karen (Tom) Walker; great-nephew, Josh Barnes; and great-niece, Jordan Walker.

Wayne requested that no services be held. Memorial contributions in Wayne's name may be made to Converse County Coalition Against Family Violence.

To share a memory of Wayne or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.