Harry Ailport, age 70 of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, January 19, 2008 in his home.

Harry Arbert Ailport was born on August 4, 1937 in Footville, Wisconsin, the son of Hazel and Jim Ailport. He grew up in Dansbury, Wisconsin and attended school there. Furthering his education, Harry obtained training as a machinist at a vocational school. In 1955, he entered the United States Army where he served his country for two years. Upon an honorable discharge, Harry moved to Chicago, Illinois, to begin his career as a machinist. He later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was employed as a machinist for MFC manufacturing.

On June 9, 1988 Harry was united in marriage to Ivy Norcross and the couple made their home on Nett Lake, near White Earth, Minnesota. Harry worked at Audubon Engineering as a machinist and in 1994, began working at the Shooting Star Casino in the maintenance department where he worked until the time of his death.

In 2004, Harry was blessed with the adoption of his daughter, Jena. He also served as a foster parent to over 70 children throughout the years. Harry proudly worked beside many of the children he helped and considered them friends. He was a talented artist and spent many hours crafting beautiful birch bark and beadwork projects. He was always learning new skills and most recently perfected the skill of quillwork. Harry was also a gifted dancer and often participated in Traditional Native American Dances. He loved to fish, spend time in the woods and make various jellies. As a handyman, Harry continually made updates to his home on the lake. He cherished his "special girl" Jena and greatly enjoyed playing with all of his grandchildren.

Harry is survived by his wife, Ivy and daughter, Jena, both of White Earth; three brothers, John (Barb) of Chicago, IL, Bill (Barb) of Barronette, WI and Mike (Kim) of Phoenix, AZ; one sister, Marge (Bob) of Pansburry, WI; five step-children, Norma (Francis White) Jacobson of Mahnomen, Dale (Becky) Warren of White Earth, Mark (Lisa) Warren of Ogema, MN, Daniel Warren of White Earth, and Kristi (Mike) Morley of Mahnomen; 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jim; one stepdaughter, Pamela Warren; and one granddaughter, Amber Crosby.