Richard Earl Harris

Richard "Dick" Harris passed away peacefully on May 30, 2014. Dick was born on January 4, 1929, in Sunnyside, Washington. He was a lifetime resident of the Yakima Valley. In 1947, he joined the United States Air Force and served as an occupational force in Okinawa shortly after the end of World War II. In 1950, he was given an honorable discharge and returned to Yakima. Upon his return he re-enrolled in school at Yakima High School (now Davis). Dick spent nearly 30 years working for the Yakima Fire Department where he retired as a Lieutenant and Fire Inspector. Dick became a school bus driver with the Yakima School District for his second career. He spent 13 years making sure kids were transported safely. Upon his second retirement he and his wife Pat became snowbirds, traveling to Arizona for the winter and camp hosting around the state of Washington for the summer months of the year. The final retirement was spent buying a house and settling down to spend time with his family. Dick is survived by daughters Pauline Harris of Yakima, Patti Bolm (Jim) of Moxee and their mother Joan; brother, David Harris of Goldendale; his wife Patricia "Pat" of Yakima, stepsons Larry (Janie) and Doug Anderson both of Yakima; stepdaughter Brenda (Mike Towner) of Selah; 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Earl and mother Ella. The family thanks everyone for their support and kind words during this time. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Shaw & Sons in Yakima. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers please make a donation to either the Washington State Parks Department or the Widows and Orphans Fund of the Fire Departments of Washington State. To share condolences or memories with Dick's family please visit www.shawandsons.com.