1942 – 2015

AUBURN — Elbridge “Joe” Harris Jr., 72, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Hospice House, with his loving family at his side, following a brief illness.

Born in Auburn on Aug. 18, 1942, a son of Elbridge and Florence Harris, he attended local schools, graduating from Edward Little High School. After graduating, Joe worked in the woods with his dad, drove trucks and worked in construction, before going to work at Bath Iron Works as a heavy equipment operator and serving as shop steward for 20 years, before retiring in 2008, after 37 years.

Joe was a registered master Maine guide for 45-plus years, president of the West Gardiner Rod and Gun Club, taught hunter safety courses and truly loved hunting and fishing. He loved his family, taking many camping trips to the Allagash and Carrabassett Valley.

Some of Joe’s other passions included cooking and preserving his pickles and jelly. He was a Golden Glove boxer and stock-car racer at Oxford Plains in his earlier years. Joe will always be remembered as a true outdoorsman and when he wasn’t outside, he was spending time with his dog, Bullet.

Joe is survived by his wife of 29 years, Robin Palmer, whom he married in 1986; his children, Cathyann Howard of Massachusetts, Heidi Harris of Portland, Faith Harris of Maine, Brianne Harris of Portland and Kalie-Jo Harris of Lewiston; his grandson, Joseph Arestigueta; sisters, Dorothy Campbell of Virginia, Ruth White and daughter, Julie Smith, of Durham and Darlene Harris of Auburn; and his brother, George Harris, of Auburn.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Melinda; a daughter, Angel Harris; and two siblings.

You are invited to express condolences and pay tribute to Joe’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.