Kenneth Wayne Harris

Kenneth Wayne Harris (Ken) was born in Vancouver, Washington, on November 24th, 1948 (on Thanksgiving Day), as the second of three children to Frances Rose Garr and Donald Albert Harris. He served in the Navy Reserves during the Vietnam War as a Diesel man aboard the USS Salmon. Ken attended Central Washington College (now University), earning a degree in Biology, and took courses at Clark College, including in their Diesel Department, which led him to become a Certified Vocational Instructor. He worked with diesel engines in the Forestry and Logging Industry, later at Bonneville Power, and ultimately returned to Clark College to teach Diesel Mechanics. Throughout his career as an instructor, he engaged students of various ages in vocational training in Diesel Mechanics, finding the most joy in helping his students find careers and life's work in the trades.

Ken was married to Shanna Lee Buffmire Harris and had two children, Benjamin Harris and "Kody" Jessica Harris. He was predeceased by his siblings Keith and Debbie, his parents Don and Frances, and Shanna. He is survived by four nephews, his niece Brooke, and their families, two adult children, his son-in-law Jeff, and his two granddaughters, Rosemary and Bailey. His granddaughters have lit up the last years of his life with joy and purpose.

He passed away in the Olympia area on August 16th, 2025, after relocating with his family. But we all know that Clark County, Washington, was forever home.

The family requests that, rather than sending flowers, donations be made to organizations important to Ken, including conservation efforts such as planting trees or supporting protection of forests and waterways, animal rescue initiatives, youth music programs, and PBS or similar science and nature education entities. Ken supported these causes throughout his life and encouraged lifelong learning, particularly in science, nature, and music.

If Ken taught us anything, it is that a hopeful perspective in life changes everything.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 4th at the Kalama Harbor Lodge, at 1pm. Wear your favorite flannel; suspenders optional.