2 April, 2020
Candia, NH - Carl "CJ" Harris, Jr, 27, an old soul who completed his journey on earth on Sunday, March 29th at Boston Children's Hospital, of complications from a Bone Marrow Transplant last May. With his parents by his side, he is finally free from pain.
Always with a smile and a kind word to all who he interacted with, he remains an example of one who is known and loved by all. Hearts are breaking all over the world.
Born January 7, 1993 in Framingham MA, CJ lived in Hopkinton MA for many years. He enjoyed little league, spending time with his cousins and grandparents and tearing up the neighborhood on his four-wheeler.
In 2004, CJ and his family moved to North Sandwich, NH. CJ enjoyed the great outdoors of New Hampshire for over 10 years. Snowmobiling, four-wheeling and riding his dirt bikes over Young Mountain were his passions. CJ played Sandwich Lot Baseball, loved the Sandwich Fair, camping in the Notch with Kyle and jumping off the RT 113A bridge into the river, along with numerous Craig’s List purchases these were just a few of his well-known shenanigans.
CJ attended Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith and graduated in 2011. In the fall of 2011, CJ began his four-year college experience at Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH. Majoring in History, CJ experienced college life to the fullest. While attending college, CJ was an RA, a stage show actor, and a potter extraordinaire. Many of his college friends visited him frequently while he was hospitalized.
His working career spans many mediums. Laconia Harley Davidson, Bootleggers, Peter Christian’s Tavern, State of NH 911 Call Center and most recently St. Joseph Community Services Meals on Wheels to name a few.
CJ had many passions in his life including his RX-8, cooking, shooting guns and his many friends. But most of all he enjoyed his Harley Davidson. Riding for CJ meant freedom and he logged many miles, including countless trips to Nova Scotia, York PA, Daytona FL and many points in-between. He was a member of the Winnipesaukee HOG Chapter. CJ also enjoyed the annual “guys weekend” trip to Americade in Lake George where it is was said, “he is the only real rider of the group” He was a legend among men.
He was a co-founder of the Annual Heather's Ride out of Meredith NH. For 10 years money was raised for his sister's Patient Support Fund at Boston Children's Hospital. Over $140,000 was raised in 9 years.
His proudest moment was officiating the marriage of his sister Nichole to his best friend Kyle.
CJ leaves in sadness, his mom, Barbara (Lutz) Harris and dad, Carl D. Harris, Sr, of Candia, his loving sister Nichole Perreault and her husband Kyle of Effingham, NH, and the apple of his eye his niece, Leah Perreault. He also leaves loving grandparents, Harold Lutz of Black Rock Nova Scotia, Donald & Julia Harris of Hopkinton, MA, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Heather Siebert, "Gramma" Dorothy Lutz of Black Rock Nova Scotia, and aunt Susan Mespelli of Upton, MA.
The epitome of the word WARRIOR, he endured medical challenges too many times in his short life. He would want his doctors, nurses and all of his "friends" at Boston Children's Hospital to be remembered for their attention and commitment to helping him through his medical struggles and very lengthy hospitalizations.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations be made to the Pediatric Patient Assistance Fund, #9999052, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Burial will be private and a Celebration of Life is planned for May 17th at Searles Castle in Windham, NH, if allowed during these uncertain times.
