THORNTON, NH --- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Gordon Harrison, 72, of Thornton, NH on April 29, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

John was born on November 10th, 1953, in Marblehead, MA to Richard Compton Harrison and Frances Whitney Crane. He graduated from Marblehead High School and went on to graduate from Colby College with a degree in Psychology. He then attended an MBA program at Boston University. He worked in, as his children lovingly called it, "computer stuff" for over 40 years. Most recently he was a database engineer for Choreograph, where he retired last year.

John was a man of many passions. He was constantly teaching himself new skills, even making a lifelong career through self-taught computer code. John was able to enjoy a brief but rich year of retirement, during which he got to follow two of his greatest loves- music, and endlessly reading books. He had joined two different choirs and had started teaching himself to read music- something he had wanted to do since learning guitar in his 20s. John's limitless list of hobbies included visiting museums, woodworking, long canoe rides with his wife Elizabeth, walks with his dog Teddy, spending time with his kids and grandkids, talking to strangers, laughing and, beyond that, making those around him laugh. He had killer impersonations, quick wit, and was always the first to make a joke- especially ones that made his children and wife groan.

While John spent the majority of his life at his beloved home in Melrose, MA, he and his wife had recently relocated to Thornton, NH in order to be closer to their new grandchildren. He had given himself the grandfather name "Pops," but that turned into "Bop" when his first grandson learned to speak- which he happily adopted.

John is sweetly remembered as a kind, generous, and empathetic man. He was always there to lend a hand, no matter what the need was. He was a great listener and an even better teacher. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Harrison of Thornton NH; son, Cameron Harrison, wife Jessica, and grandson Rory of Plymouth, NH; daughter, Jillian Rosa, husband Marcus, and grandson Leo, of North Woodstock, NH; and brother, Richard "Pic" Harrison and wife Sarah of Montville, Maine.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May, 30, 2026, at Starr King UU Fellowship in Plymouth, NH. All who knew and loved John are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to Mass Audubon ( https://www.massaudubon.org/ ).