Mike & Anne Harris (-2009)

It was my great privilege and an honor to have worked with Michael in Devon Energy's West Africa Group. His comprehensive knowledge of geology and oil field operations were inspiring to us all. Michael met all challenges (and there were many) with grace and humor. He made the nearly-impossible happen with a wonderfully laid-back demeanor. He was passionate about doing a job well, and generous with his support of everyone's efforts.

I loved Michael's wonderful sense of humor. He was so curious and well-read, so articulate and enlightened. We could discuss and free-associate endlessly, and he always brought interesting insights to the conversation. Though we sometimes had strong differences of opinion, he was always respectful and fun. Our chats were more about sharing ideas than winning a debate.

It is Michael's great sensitivity and caring heart that I will remember most. He spoke often about Anne - always with a smile on his face. When she would visit the office their obvious adoration and happy energy would light up the hallways. They personified love and and joy.

I send my deepest condolences to Michael and Anne's families,
Lutie Mora

Such a sad thing for everyone - I have added the families of all the victims to my prayer list. I pray that the loved ones left behind will find peace with the tragic loss someday - but know that day is far away from the grief they are all feeling now. God be with you...

It's been over 20 years since I last saw Butch but I always had such wonderful memories of him. Butch, Jodie, Mike & I along with a whole bunch of other great friends spent some of the best times I remember in the early days of our marriage living at Chateau di Jon in Metairie. He could always make you laugh & had such a great outlook on life. He will be dearly missed by all. I never knew Anne but I'm glad to see they had such a great life together.

My thoughts & prayers are with both their families.

Luv ya Butch! Hope to see you in the next life so we can have more great times.

Debbie

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I went to school with Butch at Mauldin School from 1st grade to 6th grade and Hillcrest High School in 7th grade. I had a crush on Butch but he had a crush on Polly Henderson. Butch was smart and he was kind to everyone. I remember Butch's older sister, Barbara. She was very pretty and had big dimples and sang "Hot Diggedy Dog" in the school talent show. Barbara made us all proud when she won the Miss South Carolina pageant. It's been almost 50 years since I last saw Butch but I have very fond memories of him and Mauldin School.

Barbara, if you read this I want you to know how deeply sad I am at the loss of your dear and wonderful brother in such a tragic accident. I pray that he is at peace and that we all will be able to reminisce in God's Kingdom some day. God bless your family and give you strength.

With all my love and caring,

Raye Miller
Travelers Rest, South Carolina

To be succinct: he was the epitome of a friend, a very good friend. I regret that I had not yet answered his invite to become a member of his Windows Live chat room. He will live in the hearts of all members of his family, Anne's family & all friends forever.

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Michael and Anne. But I know they had given so much to humanity and had so much more to give.
They will live in the hearts of many forever.
May the peace and love of our Lord be with all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Ann Warren
Lake Providence, LA.

Anne and I were good friends in the 70's. After hearing of this horrible accident, memories of Anne came flooding back and the memory that stood out most was that deep, from-the-gut laugh of hers that could fill a room. I loved her sense of humor and it made being around her so much fun. I only met Michael once but I was so happy to see that she had found someone who loved her and was so appreciative of her. Their happiness was infectious.

All my love and comfort to you, Andrew and the rest of the family...

Cydney Springer

Butch was a wonderful cousin. When I needed a laugh to brighten my day he was there. I last saw Butch at his Mom's funeral. I was able to meet Anne and his wonderful children. It happened that day that while Hampton was moving the family car, he forgot about a concert pillar behind it and ran into it. He came in and told his Dad what he had done, Butch didn't get angry or upset, he knew accidents happen. I know that Anne and Butch are in a better place. My heart goes out to those left behind to mourn them. I know that nothing I say will take away the pain, but remember they are forever in your heart.

Michael was a friend from Hillcrest High School and member or our foot ball team. I will always remember one funny incident after we got beat up so bad one Friday night, Coach Freeman, on Monday practice ask that if anyone was hurt, sit out practice and go back to the gym. MIchael (Butch) took off running as fast as he could. We all wondered what was hurting him? A good man that will be missed. God Bless him, his wife and family.

Anne was a faithful volunteer for the Fibromyalgia Association of Houston. She touched hundreds of people through her work on the Information Line, answering questions about fibromyalgia and providing hope to those suffering. Many times she was not feeling well herself, but she never allowed her own illness to keep her from her volunteer duties. Anne was a very intelligent and compassionate woman. She will be greatly missed.

I am so grateful to have known her, and hope that family members will be comforted by the knowledge that she was much loved.

Mary Harper
President
Fibromyalgia Association of Houston

Anne and I worked together at Physical Therapy West in Lafayette. She was a soft-spoken person who had a positive outlook on life. I babysat Andrew a time or two so she could go out with Mike. She lit up around him. She will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the families during this tragic time.

There's great sadness in hearing the news of Butch and Anne this week, but there should also be joy and celebration in knowing they are in God's hands in Heaven now. May you, Barbara, and all of Butch's and Anne's extended families find peace and comfort in your incredibly fond memories of two such unique beings that so graced this Earth. My wonderful memories of Butch (his infectuous smile, the talent show rendition of Alvin & the Chipmonks with puppets at Mauldin Elementary, his competitive spirit on the football field, and just his good-natured humor) will live on. May their stars shine down on us and inspire us all. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them were truly blessed.

The Basilian Fathers and the community of St. Thomas High School offer our sincere condolences to all family members, and we promise you our thoughts and prayers.

I was blessed to have Anne as my Physical Therapist when I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She knew exactly what to do to relieve the pain and in the course of my treatment with her, she taught me a lot about the illness and how to live fully even when not feeling well. She was a true inspiration. Thereafter, we became friends and I enjoyed many lunches with her sharing stories and discussing family (Andrew and my daughter were both at St. Thomas More High School when we met). I am sorry to say that I lost track of her about the time she and Mike moved to The Woodlands and I truly regret not making more of an effort to contact her. I wish she could know how much my life was enriched by knowing her.

My thoughts and prayers are with those she and Mike left behind. I know she deeply loved Mike and Andrew and all of her family. Please know that she spoke of you with much love.

I was very fortunate to know Mike not only as a fellow employee devoted to his work (his passion with solving problems), but we enjoyed sharing our martial art philosophies. He will surly be missed, peaceful souls such as his have now found a great resting spot. I did not know his family but rest assured he and your mother are watching and protecting over you. May you find peace with time and faith in the hereafter.

Obie and Shawnee

Barbara and family. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May God give you peace. My condolences go out to all the family members.

With love,

Kathy Davis Chastine, Class of '63, Hillcrest High

We had the pleasure of knowing Mike and Anne Harris, along with the family for a couple of years. They were truely a happy, loving couple that lived their lives to the fullest.

We are saddened by their loss. Our prayers are out to their families; two more angels will be watching over you.

Rachel and Family

Sorry to hear of this tragedy; Anne was a friend at Lafayette High School; had a perpetual smile and I looked forward to seeing her at class reunions. To those that were close to Mike and Anne my sincere condolences and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of Michael and Anne Harris. Though I do not know them, it is a tragedy and fills me with sadness. May God be with the ones who knew and loved them and have suffered such a great loss.

I did not know Mike or Anne-but I am a Greenville native and a Clemson mom, -blessings to the family and friends of such a beloved couple-may God embrace them in Heaven.

I had the great pleasure of counting Butch Harris as one of my very best friends during our years at Hillcrest High School. Butch had it all - personable, witty and a Mustang. When I think of Butch I think of music - he could sit down and play any instrument - guitar, piano and he owned the drum solo in "Wipeout". And unlike many of us he could really dance - I'm sure credit here goes to Barbara. Butch is a major part of most of my favorite memories from high school.
So long old friend and thanks for the positive impact you had on my life and the lives of hundreds of others.

Bob Barnett

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Butch and his wife. It is such sad news. I have fond memories of summer days spent at the Harris's home when I was a child playing with Ben, Butch, and Barbara Ann.

Barbara Ann,
My parents (Art and Betty Allison) would love to write you a note. If you can email me your address, I will pass it on to them. Thank you.
Biddie Lowry

Betty and I were extremely distressed to hear about Butch and Anne. I went through high school and college with Butch's father, Ben Jr. and we worked together during the building of the two arsenals. We knew all of the family and our son Robert was a very good friend of Butch when they were teenagers. Robert was very crushed to learn of Butch's fate. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Our love and prayers are sent the the family.

Art and Betty Allison
Charleston, SC

My deepest condolences for your loss. I did not know the Harrises personally, but was moved to read their obituary and in doing so could feel the tremendous impact they had made in the lives of friends and family. They obviously were an extraordinary couple who will be deeply missed. Upon reaching the bottom of the obituary, I read that the family had requested that any memorial donations be made to the Fibromyalgia Association of Houston. I wanted to thank the family for their compassion in making this request. I have suffered with fibromyalgia for decades, and the FMAH has been very supportive to me. God bless you.

Andrew, i don't know if you remember me or not but i use to work with your mom at PT West and i use to teach you karate. I am so so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and Physical Therapist. I only met Mike once, he made your mom very happy And your mom talked of him often. They will be missed. I will keep you in my prayers Andrew. Take care.................Robin

Hello, My name is Andrew. I am almost 15 years old. I live in Lafayette, LA. My Granny (Wanda Vincent) was an extremely close friend with Ms. Anne Harris. I may have met Ms. Anne once or twice when I was younger, however I do not remember either of them. However the pain and hurt that flows through my body whenever I think of their deaths is so horrific. I love them to death and I never knew them. We must believe that they are in the heavens, happy. The day I realized that the only two Americans on the plane were Mr. Mike and Ms. Anne I was was furious, upset, horrified, angry, grieving, comforting, sick, and tired of the ignorance. I love them deeply. With all of the deepest sympathies and love in my heart, I pray for these wonderful people. -Andrew 12-28-09

I did not know Mike or Anne at all, however heard of this through media a year or so ago, and just found this site to offer my deepest and truly sincere comforts... this really made me sad, not even knowing either of them... I somehow know that they were extraordinary and wonderful, and among all, will be missed.

Melissa La Rosa
Redondo Beach,CA