Donald C Harris Obituary (1927 - 2016)

Donald C. Harris, age 88, a valued resident and prominent member of the community of Willits, California for 56 years, passed away peacefully in his home in the very early hours on April 1, 2016 after being surrounded and taken care of comfortably by loved ones for three days on Hospice. Don was born on May 25, 1927 in Springville, Utah to his parents, Clifford and Thora Harris. His siblings were Gordon Harris, Norma Ward, and Chuck Harris. Don attended high school at San Bernardino High School where he was an outstanding athlete and fi rst-string basketball player, adopting the nickname "Mouse" to his fellow class and teammates. Don served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII and went on an honorable mission for the Mormon Church for two years in Canada before meeting the love of his life, Lori Faulk, and marrying her on September 8, 1949. They moved to Willits in 1960 to raise their family. Don started his fi rst job at Willits Cable, where he worked and installed the fi rst satellite for cable TV on San Hedrin. Don proudly coached Little League for his sons in the 1960s and was a Golf Champion at the Brooktrails Golf Course from 1969 to 1999, where he received many fi rst-place trophies which will be spread out evenly amongst his grandkids as treasured keepsakes. Don retired from the cable company and became a school bus driver for Willits Unifi ted School District. Don was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he was a Bishop and held many important positions for 88 years, extending prayers and service to many. Don and his family spent many memorable summers boating, skiing and camping at Lake Mendocino and Shasta Lake with the infamous green, sparkly boat we all know and will forever remember as the Super Pickle. Don was an extremely loving, devoted husband to his wife and father to his children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren who absolutely adored him. He was very active in all of their lives, creating a living legacy of jokes, songs and stories to pass down through generations to come. He had an uncanny ability to make others laugh, smile and feel very welcome with his wit and genuine charm. He will dearly be missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lori Harris, his children, Judi (Dave) Kline, Debi (Jim) Anderson, Don (Tanya) Harris, Janie (Carl) Newby, and Steven (Sherry) Harris, 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. His graveside service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdate, Utah on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will also be held in Willits with a date and place to be announced. An immense thank you to the staff, nurses and doctors of Howard Memorial Hospital for taking such good care of Don over the years. A very special thank you to Willits Phoenix Hospice for providing the comfort care, and to Dr. Glyer for his supportive care. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT