Donald Gene Harris

Don Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, quietly passed away on October 28th, joining his parents, Ralph and "Pinkie," and his brother Glenn on his heavenly journey. He had just celebrated his 82nd birthday surrounded by family and friends in August.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on August 7, 1942, Don spent his early years on his parents' farm near Powell, Wyoming, before moving with his family to Longview, Washington, at the age of 13. He graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1960.

Don led a life full of joy, adventure, and service. growing up on a farm, he learned the value of hard work and dedication from an early age. His love for people, his community, and his country was evident throughout his life. A proud veteran of the Army National Guard, Don's service to his country was just one part of his many contributions.

A life long sports enthusiast, Don's passion for the game began at the age of 9 when he started playing baseball in Wyoming. He and his older brother would hitchhike 15 miles to town to play Little League baseball and back twice a week. At just 10 years old, Don was named to the All-Star team as a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, representing his team at the Little League World Series regional tournament in Billings, Montana. He later threw out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game - a moment he cherished. Don was also an accomplished wrestler and served as a "Yell King" at R.A. Long High School.

He passion for sports, in addition to all that's involved in being a father of children who played multiple sports, carried throughout his life. He coached and umpired Western Little League baseball and fast-pitch softball: refereed basketball. volleyball, and soccer and was actively involved in competitive, high-level bowling leagues for years. He also announced football and basketball games on the local radio station, KEDO, for decades. The local annual golf tournaments he organized were widely successful and brought players together from across the state. He loved fishing and spent much of his free time, later in life, as a top-notch fly fisherman. He became an expert at tying intricate flies.

Don loved and cherished his wife Holly more than he could express. Together for over 20 years, Holly was his unwavering support, hos rock. He was Equally devoted to his children and grandchildren and was extremely proud of each of them. Don's love for his family was evident in all he did.

Don's professional and personal life was wide-ranging, just as his sports connections. Over the years, he owned and operated two travel agencies, owned, and was the DJ for Mobile Sounds providing music for private parties, events, and celebrations throughout the northwest. He has thousands of songs ranging from the 1930's to current hits. He worked for the City of Kelso for over a decade before retiring in 2010. He was a member of the Elks and Lions clubs for more than 40 years and donated countless hours for charitable causes.

Don's life was characterized by kindness, laughter, and an enduring love for those around him His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Holly; three children and their spouses, Stuart (Mary), Stefani Okamoto (Jeff Manipon), and Stephen (Peg) and five grandchildren, Alexis, Gabriel, Chaz, Olivia, and Maree, his younger sister, Pat Rodman (Kelso) and older brother, Terre (Barbara) (Issaquah).