Gary Michael (Capt.) Harris

Harris, Gary Michael (Capt.), New Minas (Greenwich), NS passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on May 6th, 2026.

Gary was born in Halifax, NS, on December 19, 1953. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1971 and went on to Dalhousie University, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Physical Education alongside a remarkable class of lifelong friends.

After a brief teaching career, Gary found his true calling with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services, beginning his service on June 15, 1976. He served with immense pride as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain. While serving as Acting District Chief in 1997 at age 43, Gary was diagnosed with leukemia—now recognized as an occupational cancer among firefighters. Though he continued to work until a bone marrow donor was found in 1998, the side effects of the transplant eventually forced him to retire from the Fire Service he so dearly loved.

Gary turned his personal battle into a legacy for others. In the spring of 2003, at the request of IAFF Local 268 colleague Chris Camp, Gary became the face and voice of firefighters battling work-related cancers. His advocacy was instrumental in the passage of the Firefighters’ Compensation Act on May 22, 2003—an achievement that continues to support Nova Scotia firefighters and their families.

A lifelong athlete, Gary completed seven marathons and countless half-marathons. His passion for sport transitioned into a prolific coaching career; over decades, he led basketball teams at Halifax West, Kings County Academy, Evangeline Middle School, and Horton High School to numerous championship banners. He also coached cross-country and track and field at Horton High. In 2010, following his second relapse, with the steadfast support of his fellow coaches and players, he coached the Northeast Kings Education Centre Girls’ Basketball team to their first Division 2 Provincial Championship—a testament to his enduring spirit. He also refereed basketball for over 35 years, mentoring many younger referees along the way. Gary was a longtime member of KenWo Golf Club, where he cherished both the game and the friendships it brought.

In 2018, in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary and 20 years since his first bone marrow transplant, Gary and his wife, Anne, participated in the Ride for Cancer. A highlight of Gary’s life was delivering the event’s inspirational speech and introducing his two-time bone marrow donor, his "Blood Brother" Michael Buck, who travelled from Germany to ride by his side.

Gary believed deeply in giving back. He volunteered with Valley Regional Hospital, Fidelis House, and the Inter-Church Food Bank in Kentville. At home in New Minas, Gary found peace and pride in his gardens, creating a beautiful sanctuary of trees, shrubs, and flowers. His faith was a steady anchor in his life; he was a devoted member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wolfville and Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kentville, where he served as a lector and usher for many years.

Gary is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 48 years, Anne (née Trivett); his daughter, Jennifer, of whom he was so very proud; and his cherished grandsons, Jevon and Jaxon, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Don Harris (Heather), Halifax; Dianne Sangster (Oren), Bedford; David Harris (Bev), Wolfville; Brian Harris (Nicole), Halifax; Cathy Harris, Halifax; close family friend Donna Noddin, Halifax; his in-laws, Martine Harris, Kingston, NS; Jean Stratford, River John; John Trivett(Carolyn), Quispamsis, NB; Katy Gustafson (Cliff), Winnipeg, MB; and Daniel Trivett (Michel Bourgeois), Toronto, ON; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Rita and Clement Harris; his infant son, Timothy, and his brother, Wayne Harris.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to amazing staff at the Valley Hospice, the Valley Palliative Care Team, Dr. Robert F. Gunn and his staff, and the late hematologist Dr. Stephen Couban, whose exceptional care and kindness extended Gary’s life by many meaningful years.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be at the White Family Funeral Home on Sunday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:45 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kentville on Monday, May 11th at 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery.

In Gary’s memory, and in gratitude for the gift of life he received, we encourage others to consider becoming blood donors or registering as stem cell donors.

Family flowers only please. Donations in memory may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation, AVRCE https://avrce.ca/donations online form in support of Horton High School Boys Basketball, VRH Carey-Me Program (in support of palliative care in the home) or a charity of your choice.