Joseph Gerald Harrison

Joseph ?Jerry? Harrison of Longmont, Colorado died at his home on January 29, 2007. He was 68.Joe was born on April 26, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Merwin Jay and Lucille Helen (Cundall) Harrison. He grew up in Lafayette and graduated fromLafayette High School. He then entered the United States Navy in 1956 and served until 1960. While in the Navy, Joe learned Russian and served as a linguist on submarines and P2V planes.Following his time in the Navy, Joe worked for Denver Rio Grande. He married Elaine Oldfield on October 26, 1960 in Lafayette, Colorado. Joe began a career with United Airlines in 1962 that lasted over 38 years. He earned his Associates Degree from Community College of Denver and was a supervisor working with computer programs in Air Freight and was based out of Chicagofor a while. He was then an airfreight representative working at the station control center in Denver.Joe enjoyed woodcarving and model railroads, but the passion of his life was his love of birds. He worked with all kinds of birds, studying, rehabilitating, and banding them for many years. His love of ornithology took him to many places around the world. Joe also was a volunteer firemanwith the South Adams County Fire Department and a First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross. He was a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church.Joe is survived by his wife of Longmont; four sons: Ty Harrison and his wife LaVonne of Barnesville, GA, Jay Harrison and his wife Danielle of Wellington, CO, Todd Harrison and his wife Lara of Rio Rancho, NM, and JoelHarrison and his wife Debbie of Niwot, CO; his parents of Longmont; a brother, Jon Harrison and his wife Ann of Lafayette, CO and 10 grandchildren.Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Tom Beaman officiating. Cremationarrangements have been entrusted to Howe Mortuary of Longmont. Military honors will be presented at the end of the services.Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2415 Lake Park Drive, Longmont, CO 80503.