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F. Wallace Harris
12/27/2011 — 12/27/2011
From Pasco, WA, US | Born in Saratago, WA
F. Wallace Harris
Wallace Harris
Wallace Harris went peacefully home to his heavenly father, December 23, 2011 at the age of 96. Wallace was born July 21, 1915 on Whidbey Island at Saratoga, delivered by Dr. Wallace his maternal grandfather to Fred and Lura Harris. He has lived in Pasco all of his 96 years. He graduated from Pasco High in 1935 which became the old McLaughlin Jr. High School.
Wallace married Lucille Knopp, May 10, 1941. To this marriage was born eight children: Sharon Carl Ries of Connell; David DanaHarris of Pasco; Barbara Calvin Mahler of New Plymouth, ID; Joyce Mehling of Pasco; Diane Gary Ackerman of Nampa, ID; Virginia Charles Mahler of Eltopia, WA; Roberta Ted Quick of Pasco and Lurene Robert Fleshman of Pasco. He had 41 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren and many others that considered him their "grandpa."
Wallace worked on the Diversity Dairy, the family farm all of his growing up years and for many years 1942-62. During the Depression, he purchased many land parcels which he rented and resold, making it possible for him to purchase the Diversity Dairy from his parents who continued to help farm until their death. Diversity Dairy originated in Big Pasco Ainsworth, which was bought out by the Army Corp of Engineers at which time they established the farm at the end of Court St. Along with running the milk route he bought and sold Army surplus. They raised hogs, chickens, cattle and produce which they sold door to door, keeping him from the draft. After that he supplied the stores with produce which he agreed to replace if it did not sell. Later he began selling the produce directly from the farm and it became Harris Produce. Wallace worked with his family at the produce stand which still serves the community. He also served as a night watchman for the Pre-mix and served on the board of Franklin County Irrigation District for many years.
He is survived by his eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Lucille Olsen age 97, Gertrude Knopp age 95, Mary Ketchersid, brother Alvin Fern Harris and sister-in-law Clara Harris.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Lura Harris, his wife Lucille, and brother Bill Harris.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 30, 2011 at Country Christian Center, 5500 W. Sagemoor, Pasco. After a reception at the church, graveside services and burial will take place at Desert Lawn Memorial Park at 2:30pm, 10th and Union, Kennewick. Visitation will be Thursday the 29th from 4:00-8:00 PM at Einan's Funeral Home, Richland. The family would like to express its gratitude to Dr. Charles Krause and his staff as well as to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice staff for their wonderful care of Daddy.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, Country Christian School or the Franklin County Historical Society.
I just want to send my Condolences to the Harris family. Great-Uncle Wallace was a wonderful man.
Our sincerest condolences to Lurene and her family.
My folks Les and Eva thought the world of Wally and Lucille. When they moved to Block 1 in 1947 they rented a house from Wally and were pretty much treated as family. Dad once said “If anyone could be considered the salt of the earth it would be Wally Harris”
What great memories we have of Farmer Harris when we walk down the street to look at the animals. He would often give our son some apples and bread to feed the pigs. Over the last year, we were happy to see him sitting outside enjoying his final season. He will always live in a happy place with the stories my son will tell when he grows up and talks about the old neighborhood. Cheers to STRIPED OVERALLS!
Our kids live three houses down river. Whenever we were in town I had to stop by and just say “hi” to Mr. Harris. Even though I have a small garden, I would load up with peppers, tomatoes, garlic and squash. He was connected to the land and family. He was living history. As he sat in his chair, his aura of peace and serenity was uplifting and inspiring. I’ve never worn striped cover-alls, but always wanted a pair like Mr. Harris.
The Gerhard families offer their condolences . Daddy loved seeing your farm when he got his eggs. He will be greatly missed. Gerhard’s
Mr. Harris was a Tri-Cities fixture, and will be missed.
This is a time of joy and sadness in saying goodby and celebrating a truly full life of Uncle Wallace with his family and friends. I had quite a bit more I wrote but there was too much for this space. I will write it in a card!
Sincerely,
Ethel Knopp
I stopped to see Grandpa the week before he passed away and after we left my Dad asked me how I thought Grandpa looked since I had seen him last. I told my Dad the hardest thing to see was Grandpa not wearing his striped overalls. Grandpa always wore striped overalls even to my wedding, that’s how I will remember him, striped overalls sitting out at the fruit stand.
Abby Harris Borchers
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F. Wallace Harris