Robert Leo Harnois, Jr.

Robert Leo Harnois, Jr., 71, of Meriden, loving husband of Cheryl (Shalkey) Harnois, passed away on September 10, 2026. In addition to his wife Cheryl, Robert is survived by his children; Robie-Lyn Harnois, Nikki Westman and her husband Greg, Tyler Woodtke, and Morgan Woodtke, his grandchildren; Ellis and Alder Westman, and Jack and Lainey Woodtke, and his siblings; Nancy Davidson, Debbie Shalkey and her husband John, Ken Harnois and his wife JoJo, Denise Tift and her husband Leroy, and Michelle Dugan. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Harnois, Sr. and Doris (Rose) Harnois, and brother, Keith Harnois.

Robert (Bob) was born in Meriden on July 27, 1955. He was known best for his love of adventuring. Whether it was a place he had been a hundred times or somewhere new, that was where he was happiest. He spent his days hiking, skiing, golfing, traveling in his RV, and taking what he affectionately called “car hikes.” He could get just about anywhere without a GPS-but don’t ask him for a ride if you’re in a hurry, because he always took the scenic route.

He shared countless adventures with his wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Robie-Lyn, who was his frequent golfing and skiing partner, adventure companion, and best friend. Bob showed his love through the time he spent with the people he cared about most. Quality time was his love language, and few things brought him more joy than being a Poppa to his grandchildren.

His dogs were more like his children, always on his lap, by his side, or in his dinner plate. When he wasn't on top of a mountain, on the golf course, or exploring, you could usually find him watching sports on TV, surrounded by family, with those very dogs at his feet.

Those who knew Bob also knew that Christmastime was a production-and no one was allowed to decorate his Christmas tree but him. As a kid, you learned not to be too disappointed when the popsicle-stick ornament you proudly made ended up somewhere in the back of the tree. Every ornament had a story, and a designated place. His tree was his masterpiece, and the standards were high.

In losing him, we hope to carry forward the many road maps he left in our heads, to somehow live up to his Christmas tree standards, to love our dogs like children, and to remember that sometimes it’s worth taking a little longer to get where you're going - and, whenever possible, to take the scenic route.

A Memorial Service celebrating Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Meriden, 62 Colony St., Meriden, CT. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 2:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Gaylord Hospital, whose support allowed Bob to continue golfing, skiing, and embracing life with his prosthetic leg. We are forever grateful to Gaylord for helping our lifelong athlete continue his adventures.

For online condolences, please see Robert’s obituary at: www.beecherandbennett.com.