HARRIS, Charles Alexander - Died peacefully, on April 19, 2021.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law David and Kerri-Ann, Robert (Bob) and Patricia (Trish), and Reed and Josée, as well as his grandchildren Emma, Patrick, Meaghan, Geneviève, Danielle, and Nicholas.
Son of Charles and Arline Harris, brother to Arline Hopkins (predeceased), husband for 70 years to Bernice Harris (nee Adam, predeceased), Charlie was born on March 10, 1920.
Charlie began his business career as a reporter for the Toronto Globe and Mail in 1937. In 1941, he enlisted in the RCAF and was commissioned as a pilot a year later, graduating at the top of his class.
After the war, he received a B.A. in Modern History at the University of Toronto.
In 1947, he joined CBC where he won several awards as a producer of radio documentaries on social and public issues. In 1950, he was appointed Assistant to the Director of Television in Toronto.
In 1952, he joined the Public Relations department of Canadian National Railways in Montreal. In 1959, he was named CN's Director of Public Relations and in 1970, Vice President.
In 1972, he moved to Bell Canada as Vice President, Public Affairs. In 1980, in partnership with Douglas Heal, he established the PR consulting firm of Harris Heal Ltd.
Charlie was a past president of the Canadian Public Relations Society, and received the society's National Award of Attainment in 1966.
Charlie and Bernice enjoyed a wonderful life together with extensive travelling throughout the world, as well as vacations and outings with family and friends. In later years, Charlie and Bernice also enjoyed many happy days at their cottage on Lake of Bays.
Charlie was an excellent musician who could play a terrific piano.
At his request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has already taken place.
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