A beloved Vancouver Island businessman has died unexpectedly while in Washington State, CTV News has learned.
Tom Harris, owner of Tom Harris Cellular and a number of auto dealerships on the island, died suddenly while in Roche Harbour on San Juan Island, according to family members who say they’re “devastated.”
“He was an incredible father, grandfather, son, brother and husband. We have received hundreds of phone calls and messages of condolence for which we are grateful,” a family spokesman said.
A manager at one of Harris’s dealerships said he died sometime Wednesday night, but didn’t provide any other details.
A video posted to Instagram Wednesday showed Harris driving a speedboat off the Washington coast.
The San Juan Country Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that it was called June 29 after a body was found floating in the water near dock "J" at Roche Harbour. Investigators say no signs of external trauma were found, and it's believed that Harris slipped into the water off his boat during the night.
Harris is known for expanding both his auto group and cellular business across Vancouver Island, with Tom Harris Cellular becoming the largest Telus authorized dealer in Canada with 50 stores.
