Joel Roy Harrison Obituary (1944 - 2011)

I was born in Malad City, Idaho, on March 17, 1944. I was the son of Margaret Harrison, and was raised within the extended family of my grandfather, John Thomas Harrison, my aunts, Mary and Mabel, along with my uncles, Robert and Laurence. I also shared a home with my twin brother, Jesse and my older brother Alan. We had a good childhood and have many happy memories of our lives. All in the family worked for the common good at various activities. I never knew my mother to have only one job. I was raised in the LDS Church, yet most of my family did not attend church regularly; but goodness is not based on attendance marks alone. We played outside most evenings during the winter and summer with many friends and neighbors. My mother cleaned the home of a local businessman, and when that was not sufficient, she added cleaning at the phone company and waitressing at the Dude Ranch Café. Alan, Jesse and I worked for the same family in the farming and ranching area, where I learned much about working in that environment; but I also decided there was a better way to earn a living, which is how I eventually became a CPA, a vocation I loved. In 1963, I met Gayle Peterson of Garland, Utah, and we were married in the Logan Temple in March of 1964. We had 3 daughters, Tonya, Teri Lyn, and Tracy in Utah, and then moved to Arizona where we added a son, Robert. In 1973, Gayle, her parents, and Robert were killed when our car was hit by a drunk driver. I, alone, survived that accident. I returned to Utah in the summer. In July of that same year, I met Karen Farnsworth Gunnerson, and we were married in the fall. Karen’s husband lost his life to cancer and left behind 3 children, Cherstein, Bryant and Tom. We merged our 2 families, and began our new life with 6 children ranging from 3 to 8 years of age. We added to that mix, 6 more children, Kamille, Tara, Meghan, Ashlee, Chad and Matt. Together, we have traveled, camped, fished, hunted and enjoyed life. Grandchildren were also added to the mix: Keisha, Kendal, Adrian, Shelbi, Jaden, JJ, Dylan, Alex, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Daniel, Kimberly, and Emily, with two more on the way. I have served my God and my church throughout my life. Recent joys are the members of the Gospel Principles class I team teach with others. To see the progress of these people in the gospel has filled my heart and soul with delight. I have been a registered scout for 30 plus years, and have earned both my Eagle and Silver Beaver awards. Scouting holds a great place in my heart. Now to wax serious for the last few lines – I would challenge you all to read all six verses of Hymn 284, and you will find that , “There is no end to truth… There is no death above.” To Karen, the children, grandchildren, my brothers and their wives and my many friends, I will miss you greatly, and I will always be with you. Now for all is the challenge to live your life and make the space of time between your birth and your date of death meaningful and of help to others. The Lord has no hands to help others than yours. I leave behind family and friends that will need help. That is now your job. I go onward in the journey. Know that I have a testimony. Without this knowledge, I could not have faced the death of family members, especially Gayle, Robert, mother, my aunts and uncles and my daughter’s husband, Gene. I love the Savior and the gifts He has given us. The plan of Heavenly Father is perfect. The organization is perfect, so we must live with faith and trust, and know the plan is perfect. Thanks for all that you have done for me and the family, especially during the past hard months. Know that you are appreciated and loved by many. Now I go forward and await you and others that come later. As an act of service to people who might one day be faced with battling cancer, I ask that instead of flowers, donations be made to any of the following: Utah Cancer Specialists (www.utahcancer.com), Reel Recovery (www.reelrecovery.org), or Dr. Frame’s Community Oncology Alliance (www.communityoncology.org). I began another journey on February 11, 2011. A celebration on my earthly life will be held at Jenkins Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State, Tuesday, February 15, from 6-8 pm, and at Midvalley First Ward, 1250 E Chapel Hill Drive (7430 South) Wednesday, February 16, viewing from 9:00-10:30 am and funeral services at 11:00 am.