Karim Rahshad Harrison

Karim Rashad Harrison was born on February 28, 1978 at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, England, where his parents, Ralph and Sandra Harrison were serving in the United States Air Force at RAF Upper Heyford. Karim was the only child of this union but is survived by an older sister Roxanne and an older brother Michael (both fathered by Ralph in a previous marriage.)

As a toddler, Karim was seen frequently in and around Bicester (a town around the Air Force Base where his parents were housed.). Karim spent many of his days with his nanny, Lisa Bates, who kept him during the day (and sometimes over night when his parents were on alert status). Having spent so much time with his nanny, Karim affected an English accent (which was lost quickly after his parents moved to Oklahoma in 1980).

In Oklahoma, Karim was in daycare and preschool at the Air Force Base where he gained a reputation for himself for standing up for himself, with a refusal to be bullied because he talked funny. Karim enjoyed fishing and learned bicycling when he was four years old. A fond memory occurred after he helped a neighbor’s son (who was much older) learn to ride a bicycle. This boy was so excited that he said in his father’s hearing, “I’m so happy I can pee in my pants!” Karim competed in gymnastics and track and field with the Arizona Cheetahs while in Junior and Senior High School.

In 1984 Karim’s parents moved back to Arizona where Karim attended Edison Elementary and Kino Junior High School, in Mesa. During those years at Kino, Karim met his longtime buddy Greg. Their’s was a tight relationship and a time when Karim revealed his ‘wild side.’ After his parents joined Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Karim became a member and was very active in the YPD and a reluctant member of the Jewel Choir (having been around adults most of his early life he wanted to sing with the teens). He was very active with the Tanner Youth Choir, sang with the Male Chorus, attended Church School and Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Tanner Youth Council, led by the late Pastor Russell Thomas Hill.

Karim attended Westwood High School where he graduated in 1996. Later he attended Mesa Junior College and Collins College where he received an Associate of Arts Degree in Computer Technology. He worked a number of jobs leading up to his graduation. Notably, he worked for Luther Patton Sr. at Compac Design. Karim had a progression of jobs in Collections where his superb communications skills, ability to negotiate and operate Windows and Linux based computer systems served him well. He was last employed as a Collections Representative at Move, Inc. where he was thought of as a highly skilled and valuable employee.

Karim had a goal of becoming a fire fighter and was working with firefighters to improve his conditioning and fitness. Many were surprised how well conditioned he was a 38 years of age.

Karim was a very caring person and would literally give you his last dollar and the shirt off of his back. He did volunteer work with Manna Ministry of Hope at least two Saturdays a month. He loved talking with the clients and serving with pride. In fact, he was just out with his homeless friends last Saturday. He was also involved with the Phoenix Black Lives Matter Movement.

Enjoyment came from music, art and riding his Harley. He recently remarked to many that he needed to put down his toys and settle into becoming a family man.

Karim transitioned from this life in a tragic motorcycle accident on Easter Sunday morning, March 27, 2016.

He leaves to cherish his memory, parents, Ralph and Sandra Harrison, grandmother, Elizabeth Houston, soul mate Anastasia Renee Trujillo, son, Kalil Rakim Karim Harrison – projected birth date, August 9, 2016, sister Roxanne Taitano (Anthony), brother Michael (Tammy), a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, life brothers and friends.

In Liu of flowers donations may be made to his favorite charity Manna, A Ministry of Hope and/or towards Baby Kalil Rakim Karim Harrison who is projected to be born August 9, 2016.