Gary Wendell Harrison

On Monday, February 3, 2014, Gary Harrison passed away at his residence in Fresno, CA at the age of 76. Gary was born on August 14, 1937, in Cheyenne, OK to Stanley and Hettie Harrison. In 1937, his family moved to Alpaugh, CA. After graduating from Alpaugh High School in 1954, his family moved to Fresno, CA where Gary met Judy Squire, the love of his life,while they were both attending Fresno State University.

Gary graduated with a BS Degree in Business Administration in 1958 and was a brother of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Gary and Judy were married in 1959 and moved to Hanford Ca shortly after, where he taught Social Science, English, and Math until 1968. In 1969 Gary received his Masters Degree in Administration and became the principal of Meadow Lane in Lemoore. Also, in 1969 he became a field representative for the California Teacher's Association (CTA) of which within time he became the chief negotiator of CTA's northern division. In 1986, Gary and Judy moved to Auburn, CA, where he continued his career with CTA, retiring in 2000.

In his spare time, Gary was an avid hunter, fisherman and hiker. He had a passion for helping people in need and enjoyed history, politics, travel and music; he was a volunteer disc jockey for KVMR in Grass Valley, CA. Gary was an advocate for the ALS Association and a supporter of Big Brothers and Sisters, as well as many other charitable organizations.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Judy; and son-in-law, Michael Troxell.

He is survived by his children, Lora Troxell of Hanford, Debra Wilson and her husband Devin of Porterville, and Mark Harrison and his wife Arlene of Clovis; brother, Bill Harrison of Laguna Niguel; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fresno Grizzlies Stadium.

Remembrances may be made to ALS Association; or Big Brothers and Sisters.