Author Topic: Memorial for Brian Harris (Read 2683 times)

James Mills · « **on:** July 05, 2017, 12:24:48 PM »

It is with a heavy heart that I am posting the loss of my brother (in law), friend and flying buddy Brian Harris of the St. Louis area. Most of you did not know Brian, but he was a modelers modeler. He loved to build, he liked the contest but wasn't always geared to compete, and just enjoyed flying. Brian was an awesome uncle to his nephew, Benjamin Mills. Ben has enjoyed flying with his uncle and Dad; going to contests together and going to the hobby shops. They have made so many memories together, that Ben will always cherish.

He passed away at home in his wife's arms just shy of their 2 year anniversary at the much too young age of 53. His passing was very unexpected. He was having some neck pain and then a headache and then was gone. I know his faith and mine, we will see each other again. Ben and I met at Buder yesterday and flew and reminisced about Brian. We have a lot of great memories, traveling together and having fun.

His funeral will be Friday the 7th at the Oltmann Funeral Home 103 N. Church in Union, MO 63804. The family is asking for donations be made to Autism Speaks in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be at 11 and the service starts at 1.

James

Zuriel Armstrong · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2017, 01:15:41 PM »

I'm very sad to hear this James. Your family will be in our prayers.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2017, 01:21:29 PM »

That is very sad news. I can't remember is I met your brother at one of the St Louis contests, maybe not as I have a bad memory. I think of you and Ben every so often and sometime wish we were closer together. Any way remember the good times.

My self I have watched three go before me and all three supported me in my hobby. One competed with me in racing, one would take me to a contest until he moved to Kentucky and the third one took me in when I first came to KC for a job before My Dad passed away. Any now I'm off track hope to see you and Ben down the trail some time.

Joe Gilbert · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2017, 03:22:13 PM »

James I am very sorry to hear this. Our condolences.

James Mills · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2017, 07:25:54 PM »

Quote from: Zuriel Armstrong on July 05, 2017, 01:15:41 PM

I'm very sad to hear this James. Your family will be in our prayers.

Thank you my friend.

James

James Mills · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2017, 07:26:26 PM »

Quote from: Joe Gilbert on July 05, 2017, 03:22:13 PM

James I am very sorry to hear this. Our condolences.

Thank you my friend.

James

James Mills · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2017, 07:28:22 PM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on July 05, 2017, 01:21:29 PM

That is very sad news. I can't remember is I met your brother at one of the St Louis contests, maybe not as I have a bad memory. I think of you and Ben every so often and sometime wish we were closer together. Any way remember the good times.

My self I have watched three go before me and all three supported me in my hobby. One competed with me in racing, one would take me to a contest until he moved to Kentucky and the third one took me in when I first came to KC for a job before My Dad passed away. Any now I'm off track hope to see you and Ben down the trail some time.

Thank you Doc. I'm sure you met him in St. Louis and at the fun fly/stunt clinic we had in Springfield (when Allen gave the clinic). I'll try and post some pictures next week when we are back home of the Buccaneer 740 he was flying for so long.

James

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2017, 07:37:24 PM »

Brian was a Lafayette Esquadrille club member here in St Louis and he will be missed

Fred

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:34:42 PM »

I found some pictures from the Broken arrow CL contest over the years

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:35:51 PM »

launching a model during the contest

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:36:45 PM »

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:37:40 PM »

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:38:28 PM »

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:39:08 PM »

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:39:49 PM »

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:40:30 PM »

The model

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #16 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:41:23 PM »

Fly high buddy we will miss you

James Mills · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2017, 08:42:35 PM »

Thank you for the pictures Fred.

James

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2017, 11:16:18 PM »

James,
I'm stunned. I remember Brian well. I think we first met at the first St. Louis contest I went to probably in 2000. I always enjoyed his smiling face and gentle demeanor. He was truly a pleasure to be around. He'll be missed. It's reassuring to know that we'll see him again. I'm sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you, your family, and his.

Gary Dowler · « **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2017, 04:50:08 AM »

James, I am saddened for your loss. While it is always sad and difficult for those of us who remain behind, your mention of your faith brings some consolation. Always remember that. He is celebrating right now and the angels in heaven are proclaiming that another of the fold has returned home!

The next profile ship you build place a profile shot of his face in the cockpit on each side, and he will still be flying with you.

Joseph Daly · « **Reply #20 on:** July 06, 2017, 06:21:15 AM »

James,
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The Daly family

Will Hinton · « **Reply #21 on:** July 06, 2017, 04:01:08 PM »

Even knowing his faith was real, it's still very hard on those left behind. He is celebrating, we are mourning, and we should. However, we mourn with a joy because we know Who he is with. Be strong, James, but never fight against the mourning. Remember, Jesus wept over Lazarus.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2017, 10:07:11 PM »

I first met Brian at the 2011 Broken Arrow contest, and maybe again during my 2013 visit. His models are what caught my eye first, a Buccaneer and a very cool mildly bashed Twister, as shown in Fred's photos above. Both were nicely done and with some really great looking schemes. After some asking around I found out they were Brian's and then I tracked him down to offer my compliments. I remember him being a bit modest about his great looking schemes and just a generally nice guy. I'm very sorry to hear of this loss, my condolences to all.

Larry Fruits · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2017, 03:23:03 AM »

James.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Beth's brother Brian. I remember competing with him and his beautiful planes for many years at Buder Park. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to Beth, Ben, and you.

Blessings;
Larry

James Mills · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2017, 10:34:26 PM »

Thank you everyone for the kind remarks and prayers. We had Brian's service last Friday. It was a very nice memorial, the place was packed out. He touched a lot of lives. If you've ever read the poem "The Dash" (I think that's the title), he packed a lot into his dash. Rest in Peace my brother, we will see you again.

James