Stephen Randall Harris

1949 – 2023

Stephen was born in Dallas, Texas on July 21, 1949, to Roy and Dorothy Jane Harris. He was a shining example of love, resilience, and faith. He lived life fully and always in the moment, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

After numerous moves, his family settled in Mercer Island, WA, where he attended high school. Stephen answered the call to serve his country as a member of the 25th Infantry Army band in Vietnam, where he combined his love of country and passion for music. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Beth Ann Werge. Lightning struck—they were engaged, married, and started a family that would grow to include Deborah, Matthew, and twins Andrew and Michael. After marrying, he enrolled in Seattle Pacific University, where he graduated with a dual degree in Psychology and Biblical Literature. The family spent a few years in Southern California where he attended seminary, but ultimately returned home to the Pacific Northwest, settling in the Kingsgate neighborhood of Kirkland where his children came of age, and later in Duvall as the family expanded.

Stephen worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over thirty years, retiring in the early 2000s, but his drive to serve others didn't stop there. He supported Beth in her publication venture, managing software and logistics, and later drove buses for King County Metro and the Riverview School District. His love for driving was a testament to his curious and engaging nature and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Stephen was a Renaissance man, with a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was an avowed tech geek, always up-to-date on the latest gadgets and apps. He loved building his own computers and was ahead of his time with his own system of file backups. He was also a talented photographer, capturing countless moments and thoroughly documenting the growth of his family. His cityscapes and landscapes captured the essence of Seattle and the Snoqualmie Valley. He was an active member of his church, helping with video and producing services. As a genealogy buff, he built a comprehensive family tree that connected to distant relatives. Stephen played trumpet in the Riverwinds Band and the Monroe Community Band whose concerts brought the family together.

Above all else, Stephen was a true family man. He was a wonderful husband and a supportive father, equally devoted to his grandchildren, giving them the gifts of time and attention, and developing close and unique relationships with each of them. Stephen was a “dog dad” to his many shelties, who would form an undeniable bond with him. His home was always open to others, from foreign students to distant relatives, to fellow musicians. He possessed a dry sense of humor and enjoyed pulling the occasional prank on his family, friends, or unsuspecting coworkers. Stephen considered himself a proud Duvallian.

Despite battling leukemia for several years, Stephen faced his illness with positivity, faith, and grace, and was surrounded by loved ones during his final holiday season. He passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, but his spirit and memory will live on through all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Beth; his children Deborah (Harris) and Roberto Taboada; Matthew and Jennifer Harris; Andrew Harris; Michael and Trissa Harris; his grandchildren Isabella, Tomás, William, Joshua, Vivienne, Ethan, Gavin, Owen, and Declan; his sisters Katherine White and Susan Holden; and countless friends and loved ones.

Stephen's life was a beautifully complex tapestry of love, service, and connectedness. He is missed will always be remembered. May he rest in peace and continue to inspire those who knew him to love God, live life to the fullest, and always make time for the things that matter most.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in Stephen’s name to Heroes’ Cafe (heroescafe.us), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org), or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will take place at the Novelty Hills Cemetery (28031 NE 116th Street Duvall, WA 98019) on Saturday, February 11 at 11:30 AM with a reception to follow. Everyone is welcome.