Howard Harris

Howard Harris, 83, of Fountain Hills, died on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, following a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born on April 9, 1933, the only son of Aaron and Minnie Harris. He grew up in Chicago, Ill., and was a graduate of Von Steuben High School. Howard was a graduate of Drake University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from De Paul University in Chicago.

Howard practiced real estate law for over 40 years at Ash, Anos, Harris and Freedman in Chicago. The next move in 1997 was to Sedona where believe it or not Howard owned and ran the candy store “How Sweet It Is” in Tlaquepaque for seven years.

In 2004 he relocated to Fountain Hills where he utilized his real estate law background and became an active residential real estate broker.

Howard married Sandra on Sept. 8, 1957. Howard later married Jeannine Tanner on July 27, 1983. Howard and “TJ” as he always called her enjoyed 33 years of love, companionship, travel, working together, and enjoying over the years their beloved rescued dogs Max, Sedona, Harry and Rufus.

Howard is survived by his wife, TJ, of Fountain Hills; daughter, Aryn, and her husband, Michael (Longmont, Colo.); son, John, and his partner, Tim Murphy (Chicago). Howard also leaves two stepsons, Mike (Chris), of Overland Park, Kan., and Jeff (Jamye) of Fairfax Station, Va. Howard is the beloved grandfather affectionately known as “Zaide” to Jake, Tatum, Riley, Mason, and Kaden.

Howard’s parents, Aaron and Minnie, preceded him in death.

Howard was known and loved for his keen intellect, quick wit, and enormous personality. “Oh, I absolutely love Howard,” were words often heard by his friends and family. Howard made friends wherever he went.

He also enjoyed watching golf, taking daily trips to the dog park with Harry and Rufus where politics were a huge topic with Howard being the token Democrat and much outnumbered by his wonderful Republican friends who respected him no matter their political differences.

If you needed some legal help or advice he was always there for you. At the end the day a good glass of Scotch was a given, preferably Johnny Walker Black Label.

A memorial service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Fountains United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to AZ Dog Adoptions, 2201 S. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009, azdogadoptions@gmail.com