Newell E. Harris

Newell E. Harris, 77, of Fountain Hills passed away on Monday, March 18, at home with his wife by his side. He was born Dec. 3, 1941 to Earl and Ora (Hamilton) Harris in Cass City, Mich. He was a graduate of Cass City High School (class of 1959) where he enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball. He went on to receive a B.S. in Business Administration from Michigan State University, graduating in 1963.

After college, Newell joined his father (Earl) and brother-in-law (Richard Hampshire) in the family business, Harris & Hampshire Insurance Agency. His focus would be on selling life and health insurance, later adding investments and annuities to his range of specialties.

Newell married the love of his life, Lois Dorland, on Sept. 14, 1963. Later they would welcome daughters Pamela and Lana.

In 2002, after 43 years in the insurance industry and weary of Michigan winters, Newell retired and relocated to Fountain Hills. There, he and Lois enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and desert, the wildlife common to their yard and the amazing weather. He worked on his golf game, spent time with friends and was a loyal fan at his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved college sports, especially the MSU Spartans.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Dorland Harris; daughters, Pamela (Rene) Broussard and Lana (Mike) Sandvig; grandchildren, Amanda (Stephen) Baca, Allison Broussard, Mason Broussard, Trevor Sandvig and Carsten Sandvig; sisters, Joyce (Richard) Hampshire and Norma Freeville and countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Earl and Ora Harris and daughter, Becky Sue Harris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society at cancer.org, or AMVETS Post #7, 17030 E. Enterprise Dr. # A, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.