"Utter disbelief:" Beloved educator in Shorewood School District dies unexpectedly

SHOREWOOD (WITI) -- A beloved educator in the Shorewood School District has passed away. Mark Harris, the principal of Shorewood Intermediate School, died unexpectedly earlier this week. Details of Harris' passing are not being released at this time, other than that he suffered a medical emergency, was hospitalized and did not recover.

While the final cause of death is being determined, the district and community are trying to come to grips with what has happened.

"Utter disbelief...someone too young to have life ended this way," said Matthew Joynt, a former co-worker and friend of Harris.

Before Harris was the principal at Shorewood Intermediate School, he was an assistant principal at the high school in 2009. He will also be remembered at Marquette University as a walk-on basketball player from 1993 -96.

Superintendent Marty Lexmond says Harris was a talented leader who had a spirit that will be difficult to replace.

"What we will miss is his quick wit. He loved to joke. Quick wit is often a sign of intelligence and he was a very bright man," said Lexmond.

No one loved being around Harris more than his wife and three young children.

"Mark was that kind of guy everyone loved to know loved to be around," said Joynt. "He was very dedicated to his family."

Joynt says Harris will be deeply missed. But his way of life and consistent message will resonate with others.

"He would want them to know, you need to live life in a way, you see the glass half full and live life in a way you see things positive," said Joynt.

A statement from the Shorewood School District reads in part:

A bank account has been established on behalf of Mark Harris. Anyone can donate to the "Mark Harris Family Fund." Checks/funds should be mailed or delivered to:

Chase Bank
111 E. Wisconsin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Harris' obituary reads as follows: