It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Justice David Allan Harris on December 27, 2025, at the age of 73, at Joseph Brant Hospital, after a long and hard fight, with his family by his side. David lived a life marked by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to his family and the pursuit of justice.
Born on September 12, 1952, in Owen Sound, Ontario, David was the son of Allan and Ila, and brother to Jody with Alan, Rob with Debbie, Andrew, and Jim with Enza. Cherished brother-in-Law to Mechtild, Angelika with Ullrich, Ursula with Gereon in Germany.
At the heart of David’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband to Maria, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He was a proud and caring father to his sons, Andrew and Mark, and a valued father-in-law to Julie and Claudia. As an Opa, David took great pleasure in time spent with Avery, Jordan, Benjamin, Taryn, and Louisa, and was a steady and supportive presence in their lives.
David earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto at Victoria College and a law degree from the University of Windsor Law School in 1977. He later completed a Certificate in Criminology with Honours from the University of Toronto.
David dedicated more than three decades to the practice of law and public service. He practiced criminal law for 27 years in Halton, serving as both a partner and later a sole practitioner in Oakville. He appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and was widely respected for his preparation, fairness, and principled advocacy. In 1989, he was certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada.
On June 7, 2006, David was appointed a Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice, marking the beginning of a distinguished 18-year judicial career. He presided in courthouses across Ontario, served as Local Administrative Judge in multiple regions, and authored more than 300 reported judicial decisions. He continued to serve the Court as a per diem judge until November 2024.
Outside of his professional and family life, David enjoyed golf and curling. He and Maria traveled to many countries together, creating lasting memories. David was also a loyal Toronto Blue Jays fan and enjoyed watching games with family and friends. He valued summer camping trips with his family, enjoyed skiing in the winter, and was an active member of the Burlington Community Band, where he played the clarinet.
David was committed to his community, supporting legal education, youth programs, and charitable initiatives. Together with Maria, he welcomed international students into their home.
David will be remembered for his steadiness and fairness, sharp wit and great sense of humour. His influence as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, jurist, mentor, and friend will be long felt. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews, in Canada as well as in Germany.
Gone too soon but never forgotten. He left us too soon but is now at rest looking over us all from above.
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. where the Funeral Service will begin at 10 a.m.
Special thank you to Dr. Barnfield and the entire Oncology team, as well as the Emergency staff at Joseph Brant Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Justice David Harris can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Carpenter Hospice in Burlington.
The Carpenter Hospice Donation Link
Canadian Cancer Society Donation Link
Funeral Livestream Link
Service Details
Visitation
When
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 9:00am – 10:00am
Location
Smith’s Funeral Home – Guelph Line
Address
1167 Guelph Line
BURLINGTON, ON L7P 2S7
Get Directions: View Map
Service
When
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 10:00am
Location
Smith’s Funeral Home – Guelph Line
Address
1167 Guelph Line
BURLINGTON, ON L7P 2S7
Get Directions: View Map
Reception
Location
Smith’s Funeral Home – Guelph Line
Address
1167 Guelph Line
BURLINGTON, ON L7P 2S7
Get Directions: View Map