Philip Scot Harris

Yarmouth - Philip Scott Harris, 65, of Yarmouth, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Scott was born in Portland, Maine on April 17, 1955, the son of Robert A. Harris and Natalie G.D. Sellick. He attended local schools, graduating from Deering High School in the class of 1973 and earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine at Orono in 1977. Scott worked as a chemist for Atlantic Antibodies for several years before changing careers and working as a broker, project manager, and service manager at East Coast Yacht Sales, Yankee Marina, and Lyman Morse. In recent years as he transitioned towards retirement, he launched a consulting and contract work service, fittingly named The Boat Buddha. Throughout his working career, Scott spent most of his life following his passion for being on the water, sailing. He was commissioned to sail many large yachts all over the world for delivery to their new owners. He was also a longtime member of the Portland Yacht Club where he was instrumental in founding the J24 Regatta, and was a familiar presence in the sailing community, winning races with his crew on his J29 racing boat, the Haymaker. Scott loved mentoring hundreds of people of all ages who were learning to sail. He was always generous sharing his time and knowledge of all things related to sailing. In addition to racing, Scott enjoyed spending many summers cruising Casco Bay and the coast of Maine with family and friends, with Quahog Bay holding a special spot as the most memorable and favorite destination to drop anchor. When not on the water he enjoyed biking, rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots, and was an avid reader who enjoyed travelling around the world. Scott was also a member of the 5th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp in his youth for several years. He will be remembered by his many friends and family as having a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and a kind heart. Scott was predeceased by his father, Robert A. Harris, and a sister, Robyn Lynn Harris. He is survived by his son, Lucas Brown Harris; his mother Natalie Sellick Lessor; two sisters, Liza and her husband Peter Dalfonso, Rachel and her husband Josh Herrin; two brothers, Robert Harris and Gregory Harris; several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. A celebration of Scott's life is being planned for next summer, 2021; a more detailed update will be posted here as well as via Facebook. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to SailMaine, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to introducing affordable learn-to-sail programs, where Scott volunteered his expertise and resources. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, ME. To view Scott's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com