Alden Thomas Harris Sr., 93

| April 28, 2012 6:40 PM

Aldie (Tom) passed away peacefully after suffering from Alzheimer's disease on April 12, 2012, at the age of 93. He was born in Chicago on Oct. 22, 1918, to Leon and Ethel Harris.

Alden fell in love with and married his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Swenson, in 1937. They raised a family together and enjoyed their lives to the fullest for 60 years before Ginnie's passing in 1997.

Alden served his country from 1943 to 1946 as an Army combat photographer, reluctantly leaving his family at home. When he returned, he opened his photo studio in Highland Park, Ill. He eventually joined the family business, Caledonian Inc., in Winnetka, Ill., specializing in fine antiques and interior design. After working closely with his parents, brother and brother-in-law, he retired from the Caledonian in 1971 and moved to Naples, Fla.

Aldie and Ginnie had always enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan and continued that passion in the Gulf of Mexico. They also built a building and business in Olde Naples selling fine art, antiques, and doing appraisals. Later, Alden also helped establish Carlson Harris General Contractors Inc., and was a partner in Houchin Construction.

In 1983 they visited Montana and decided to spend more time there. They built a beautiful home on Swan River and made Bigfork their part-time residence until 1995 when Ginnie suffered a major stroke. Aldie took his beloved wife back to Florida to enjoy some sunshine and warmth. After her passing he moved back to Bigfork and built a log cabin further down the river.

He continued throughout his life to take photos, play golf, walk with his dog and always enjoyed working in his yard, planting trees and flowers. He loved his family and many friends; he will be sorely missed by all who loved him. We are thankful he is now in peace.

Alden was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ginnie; sister, Betty Heath; and brother, Louis Zanin.

Alden is survived by his children, Thom and Nancy Harris of Kalispell, Julie Harris of Naples, Fla., Dan Harris of Fort Myers, Fla., and Kitty and Denny Kellogg of Ferndale; his grandson, Alden Harris; and great-grandchildren, Tristan, Logan and Marlo of Pacific Palisades, Calif. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Dillon.

There will be no memorial service; the family plans to gather in Montana this summer to memorialize both Alden and Virginia with their love.

In lieu of flowers or cards, a donation towards the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated.