Hyde Park - On January 15, 2010, there was silence in the world as Gary Harris' short but full journey among us came to an end, at the age of 45. In his final moments, there is no doubt that his spirit reached out to comfort and reassure his adoring wife, Kim, and his children, Greg, 20, Katie, 17 and Conor, 9, that the profound love he had for them while living would continue to endure. The love he had for his family was unconditional, humble and pure. It was a love that deepened with every lesson he imparted on his children and with every lesson he learned from them. It was this same love that sustained his relationship with his wife from their early days of courting in 1986, to their marriage on October 15, 1988, to the births of their children, to the purchase of their first home, to their final good-bye. Such abundant love cannot be contained, and so it was that it overflowed into every aspect of Gary's life. A long-time member of Hudson Valley's UA Local Union No. 21 of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Gary was an exceptional welder. He upheld traditional values of hard work, and of pride in quality and detail. He believed in the honor of craftsmanship and thrived on teamwork and camaraderie as ways to enrich his own life and the life of others. Gary carried passion into everything he did. An avid sports fan, he captured the spirit of every sport by playing every chance he could, watching every game, memorizing every statistic, and spending endless hours talking about it with anyone who cared to listen. His enthusiasm was contagious and made everyone around him feel good. His love of sports and his special love for children eventually led Gary down the inevitable path of coaching baseball through the Hyde Park Little League, and basketball through Catholic Youth Organization. As a team coach, Gary inspired and motivated dozens and dozens of young boys to be the best they can be, and to become proud and responsible young men. Gary had an amazing sense of humor. He loved to share funny stories of his own encounters in life as much as he loved to tell a good joke. What made him exceptional, however, was his willingness to be the butt of his own jokes for the sake of keeping spirits high and laughter going strong. Gary was a life-long resident of Hyde Park, NY. He was born in Poughkeepsie on May 12, 1964, the son of William and Audrey (Hopgood) Harris, who survive. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1982. Over the years he accumulated more friends than can be counted. People were drawn to his genuine nature and true loyalty. He will be remembered fondly and missed by many. So great was Gary's love for the world that he became an organ donor. As a result of his overwhelming love until the very end, his gifts will give new life and hope to others. Gary's family thanks the staff of St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie for their care and compassion throughout the process, and sends their warmest wishes and prayers to the recipients and their families. Above all else, Gary loved his wife, Kim, and children, Greg, Katie and Conor, who survive him in Hyde Park. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Harris; sister, Karen Harris and her partner David; brother, Michael Harris; mother-in-law, Carol Richtmyer; and nephews, Andrew Barton and Michael Wall. He is predeceased by a brother, Elbert Hopgood. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Thursday, January 21st at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. To send a condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.