- Date Of Birth: January 28, 1924
- Date Of Death: December 23, 2018
- State: Connecticut
It is with our deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Arnold Harris. Arnold passed away peacefully on December 23, 2018 at home surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, of 73 years; his son Robert and daughter Linda; two grandchildren Laura and James and three great-grand children William, Samuel and Emma.
Arnold was born in the family farmhouse on Millbrook Road in 1924. His family roots stretch back several generations to 1650 when Daniel Harris arrived in Middletown (Native American name Mattabeseck) from Rowley, MA, to become one of the 23 original settler families. Daniel was a wheelwright, innkeeper and later a farmer after having amassed a large farm comprised of nearly 300 acres east of Main Street in an area that later became known the South Farms region of Middletown. While the farm became smaller over time, it remained an active dairy farm until the 1950’s when a family decision was made to sell that portion of land owned by his parents Delbert and Elizabeth (Muirhead) Harris.
At that point Arnold stopped farming and created a new path for himself and that of his family. He worked for the State of CT Highway Dept.
Arnold utilized a lifetime of knowledge and skills when he became the Executive Director of the USDA Middlesex County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation office in Haddam. In this role he was able to serve farmers and members of the agricultural community to administer programs concerning farm products and agricultural conservation-related issues.
Arnold was devoted to his family and proud of his historical roots. He was an avid reader of history books. He remained true to his values and love of agriculture, conservation and the natural world to the very end. He always thought of himself as a ‘farmer, and like all farmers, he knew that “soil is the Earth’s fragile skin” that anchors all life and that rich productive farmland should be protected for future generations from thoughtless development.
Arnold was a wonderful quiet man who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank all the dedicated healthcare professionals associated with Middlesex Hospice and Palliative care for the dedicated care Arnold received. Special appreciation is extended to Millicent Malcolm (APRN) and MJ who became members of our family over the past several months.
