Joseph Harris Obituary

Former Durango resident Joseph Melvin Harris died suddenly Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque. He was one week shy of his 51st birthday. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Known as "Joe," he was born to Melvin E. and Mary Joanne Harris on June 26, 1962, in Durango. He grew up in Durango and attended schools here. After attending Durango High School, he earned his GED diploma. Mr. Harris briefly lived in Taos and Gallup, N.M., before settling in Albuquerque, where he lived the rest of his life.

In 1982, he met his wife, Michelle White. The couple married Sept. 28, 1985, in Durango.

For most of his adult life, Mr. Harris worked at Dee's Cheesecake Factory in outside sales of meat and produce to restaurants, where he received many accolades and awards for his service and sales achievements.

"He will be remembered as a good husband, father, brother and friend who enjoyed his family," his family said, "and shared his passions of boating, fishing, camping, and, much to the chagrin of his siblings, he was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan throughout his life. Joe also enjoyed history and taught his sons to question everything."

Mr. Harris is survived by his wife and companion of more than 30 years, Michelle (White) Harris of Albuquerque; sons Joseph Harris and Michael Harris, both of Albuquerque; mother, Mary Joanne (Hastings) Harris of Durango; siblings Deborah Longwell of Durango, Johnny L. Foster of Pagosa Springs, Yvonne "Vonnie" McCallum of Aspen and Denver, Cynthia Lindquester of Phoenix and J. Russell Foster of Bradshaw, Neb.; and an aunt, six cousins, eight nieces, five nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2013, at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 East Third Ave., in Durango. The Rev. Scott Kujath will officiate. A graveside service will take place after the memorial service in the Reese family plot at Greenmount Cemetery. A "celebration of life" reception will be held immediately after the burial.