FRANÇOIS Andries Harris died of stage four lymphoma cancer on Sunday, August 22 at the age of 53. He passed away at home holding his wife, Nadia’s hand as per his wishes.
Born on January 6, 1968, he was originally from a small town in the South of Johannesburg. He grew up in boarding school and visited his mother on holidays.
He loved to braai, talking about space, new developments, and asteroids, and was an avid reader of the news.
He and his wife moved to the Bluff in 2006. He is fondly remembered by his eldest daughter, Claudine Alexander, as strong, proud, and a man full of dignity.
After an invasive procedure at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital to remove cancerous ulcers in his mouth in 2016, he never fully recovered.
“He fought his way through recovery until he started with extreme stomach cramps. It progressed to trips to emergency rooms, hospital admission and so many tests. We sadly saw him fade over the last two years.”
“None of the tests were conclusive and they just continued. In the middle of the pandemic, he got worse and was unable to work for several months.”
“In the last month, he had a follow-up appointment and the sad news of his condition was given. It had spread to his main arteries. Pain management was all they could do. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather,” she said.
The Harris family thanks the community for all their comments and condolence messages received on Facebook as well as medic, Michael Lemon, for his assistance.
His memorial service was held on Saturday, August 28, and he was cremated in Cato Ridge once funding was secured.
He is survived by his mother, sister, wife, two daughters, and grandchildren.
