Robert "Rob" Allen Harris

Robert Allen Harris October 11, 1968 to March 24, 2016

Rob was born on October 11, 1968 in Aurora, Colorado. As an "Army Brat", he lived in several states across the U.S. as well as Frankfurt, Germany and Augsburg, Germany, finally landing in Virginia where he attended Middle School, High School, and College. Rob graduated from Radford University. A 3-Sport Letterman in high school (football, baseball, and basketball), he earned a baseball scholarship at Radford University. After graduating from college, Rob worked as a Ranger with the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. where he provided information and tours of the National Monuments. He then moved to Colorado where he again worked as a Ranger, this time with the Park Service at Carter Lake. Later Rob attended the Denver Police Academy and went on to work as a Denver Deputy Sheriff. Preferring a more rural environment, Rob moved to the Ft Collins area, attended yet another Police Academy and then spent the next 16 years as a Larimer County Deputy Sheriff. After a couple of years as a street officer, Rob was lucky enough to be chosen to patrol the very rural mountain area of Larimer County. He loved that job and it fit his personality. Routinely visiting the various businesses and making it a point to meet and get to know the residents of the mountain communities, Rob thrived. His smile and easy going personality were perfect for this environment and allowed him to pursue his passion for hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and travel. After retiring from the Larimer County Sheriff's Department, Rob purchased a franchise and operated a successful business.

Rob loved his family unconditionally. The single most important person in his life, however, was his son Connor. Every decision he made had Connor's happiness and wellbeing at the core. They hunted, fished, and traveled the country together and were basically inseparable! Connor was involved in many sports with Rob there to support him in every way possible. If he wasn't cheering him on from the sideline, he was coaching him as an assistant on several of his teams.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in October 2015, Rob immediately set out to defeat his disease. He elected to forgo traditional chemotherapy and radiation, instead choosing to attack the cancer with an alternative, more holistic treatment approach. Saying he preferred to survive cancer rather than simply extend his life for a few months while suffering the ravages of chemotherapy and radiation, he spent 3 weeks in Mexico at an alternative treatment facility. He continued many of those treatments upon return to Larimer County. Rob experienced extreme pain and was administered heavy doses of pain medication, the side effects of which eventually resulted in a major surgery. While the cancer certainly contributed, it was the aftermath of the surgery which finally caused his death. Until the end, Rob stood steadfast behind his decision to forego the traditional treatments. He dreamed of helping others beat this horrible disease.
Rob is survived by his son Connor, his mother Diana Cantor of Venice, Florida, his father Robert Harris of Dumfries, Virginia, his brother Travis, sister-in-law Corey, nieces Kristina, Kayla, Katie, and his nephew T.J. Harris all of Stafford, Virginia.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday March 30, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7755 Greenstone Trail Ft Collins, CO 80525.

Rob lived life to the fullest and brought joy to so very many people! As one who always thought of family first, his family will miss him dearly.

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Connor Harris Scholarship Fund. For tax deductible donations, your contribution can be made through The Redeemer Lutheran Church while at the Memorial Service. Alternatively, checks can be made payable to Robert D. Harris (Rob's dad) and mailed to 16187 Sheffield Drive Dumfries, VA 22025. Thank you in advance.