Marlin Harris

He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Akron.

Marlin was active in both sports and music during his high school years-participating in football, basketball, track and community theater. He graduated in 1974 from Akron High School, and attended Iowa State University and Westmar College, majoring in Architecture.

After college, Marlin moved to Phoenix, Arizona, joining his sister and maternal grandparents.

This is where he began his work in the construction industry.

During his time in Phoenix, Marlin met Joyce Graf, and they married during Thanksgiving weekend of 1989.

To this marriage, three children were born - Jaimie Leigh, Brian Gaynor, and Jenna Renee.

In 1991, Marlin and Joyce moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, which is where he supervised the building of many luxury homes. His passion was to finish work within these custom homes, and Marlin was more than happy to provide walking/talking tours of their spectacular interiors and settings.

It is a memory we will all cherish.

In addition to his construction work, Marlin was an active leader in the school system his children attended. A kid at heart, Marlin was even known to bring popsicles and watermelon to the kids at the end of the school day.

In his free time, Marlin enjoyed watching football with his friends, barbequing, and bursting into songs from his favorite musicals. You would always know it was him when you heard a whistle walking down the street.

Marlin died from cancer at home on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the age of 62 years, and was preceded in death by his father, Gaynor, and his older brother, Charles Evan. He is survived by three childre, Jain=mie Harris of Waikoloa, Hawaii, Brian (Raz) Harris of Hilo, Hawaii, Jenna Harris of Waikoloa, Hawaii, as well as two grandchildren, Jazzilyn and Lexie.

He is also survived by his mother, Irene Harris-Mandelko of Lolo, Montana, his sister, Marcia DeBruin of Lolo, Montana, his brother, Howard (Tamera) Harris of Las Vegas, Navada, his sister-n-law, Kathie McClannahan of Boise, Idaho; and many other relatives and friends.

Marlin will be remembered for his great stories and generosity. A private family service is being planned.