Phil Gordon Harris

The world has a little less music today, but Heaven has a new angel choir. Phil went home on September 2nd, and he left this world surrounded by family as he listened to his favorite choral music that only he could hear.

This son of Gail and Theda Harris was born in Greeley, Colorado, on March 26, 1940. After high school graduation in Deer Lodge, Montana, Phil earned his degree in Music Education from the University of Montana. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a choral music teacher, a career spanning over thirty-two years. Over a span of sixty years, Phil directed many outstanding school, church, and community choirs in the United States and Canada. He was the founder of the Treasure State Chorale in Missoula, Montana, and directed this group until his recent retirement.

As a diversion from his music involvement, Phil was an avid fly fisherman, an activity learned from his father and then passed down to his son. He continued to enjoy this sport until his recent illness.

Family was of the utmost importance to Phil, and he loved spending time with his wife of fifty-four years, Francine, as well as daughter Mary and son Michael (Daylyn) and granddaughters Melissa and Emilia. In addition to these family members, Phil is survived by a sister, Carol Earls, and extended family members Porter Struble, Rheyse Johnson (Kaden), Kynadee Struble, and Grayson Struble. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Musical Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28th, at 2 pm. Location is Crestline Baptist Church on the corner of Crestline and East 44th in Spokane, on the South Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Spokane Youth Symphony (granddaughter Emilia plays violin in this excellent group) or to any music organization of your choice.