Harry Clifford Karn Jr.

Harry Clifford Karn Jr. was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick with it” attitude that earned the respect of all that knew him. Realistic with life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Harry was born on October 25, 1947 at Burbank Hospital in Burbank, California to his parents, Harry and Lorna Karn. At a young age, his family moved to Lake Tahoe where Harry attended his elementary school years. Eventually, Las Vegas became home for Harry and his family where Harry would attend his middle and high school years. He was raised with one older brother, Brian Karn, and one younger brother, Jim Karn. While the normal “sibling rivalries” existed, Harry remained consistently loyal to his brothers.

As a young child, Harry developed a variety of interests, but baseball quickly became his passion early on, following in the footsteps of his father. He was involved in Little League baseball, and when he wasn’t on the field, he was knocking on his friends doors, asking them to throw him batting practice. When Harry was passionate about something, he put his whole heart into it!

Harry excelled on his high school baseball team from 1962-1966. He graduated from Western High School in 1966 and received a college scholarship to play baseball for Nevada Southern University, which later was renamed the University of Nevada Las Vegas. During his time at UNLV, he enjoyed being a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. UNLV is also where Harry met his wife, Jill. Harry and Jill married in 1968 and eventually were blessed with three children, Brian, Roby and Jennifer. Harry graduated from UNLV with his Bachelors of Science in Education degree in 1970. Following graduation, Harry was drafted by the Minnesota Twins AAA baseball team. Eventually he was traded to the Oakland A’s AAA team, but instead, chose to pursue his dream of being an educator.

Harry began his teaching career in Las Vegas where he worked multiple jobs to support his growing family. During the day, Harry was a teacher and coach, at night he would work in some of the top showrooms on the Las Vegas strip alongside his father, Harry Sr. In 1977, Harry and his family relocated to northwestern Wyoming where he continued his teaching and coaching career. Harry was known as one of the top coaches in the state of Wyoming for not only baseball, but volleyball and track as well. He led his teams to multiple regional and state championships as well as being named Wyoming State Coach of the Year in 1978, 1980, 1983, and 1988.

In 1992, after sending their youngest child off to college, Harry and Jill moved to Washington state to be closer to Jill’s family. Harry continued his teaching and coaching career in Ione, Washington, until he lost his wife of 25 years, Jill, to cancer in 1994. In 1995, Harry decided to return to Las Vegas in order to be near his three children, father, and brother, Brian. Later that year, Harry reunited with a friend from high school, Linda Westrup Appleyard.

Harry and Linda were married at the Clark County Courthouse on January, 12, 1996. Linda Lee, as Harry called her, was a true blessing in his life. Together they shared many things in common, but the most important was their strong Christian values and love for the Lord. Harry and Linda spent many happy years together, enjoying activities that included attending Dodger games, beach side camping in their RV as well as trip to the mountains of northern California where they would hike and fish for weeks throughout the summer months. Some of their favorite destinations were Dockweiler State Park and Redondo Beach, as well as Bridgeport, California. Harry also had a love for all kinds of cooking, specifically for his skilled dutch oven cooking. He enjoyed preparing specialty dishes for his family, as well as guiding his kids while they cooked for him. Jokingly, we all called it the “Karn Cooking Show.”

When Harry’s retirement finally arrived in 2014, he was well prepared and ready to enjoy his golden years. Sadly, shortly after retirement, Harry lost his beloved wife of 19 years, Linda, to cancer. Harry struggled deeply with the loss of Linda, but with his faith in Jesus, and the support of his family, he was able to enjoy a few more years before falling ill himself.

Harry Clifford Karn, Jr. passed away on October 10, 2018 at Centennial Hills Hospital surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children, Brian, Roby (Ronda), and Jennifer (Mark); 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Services were held on October 19, 2018 at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Harry was laid to rest, alongside Linda, in Palm Northwest Cemetery.

Commitment, faith, and integrity are the words best used to describe the life of Harry Clifford Karn Jr. He was committed to living the life of a good, faithful man, who was both practical and trustworthy. He valued his integrity and worked hard to instill those values in his children. Most of all, he was committed to his family, friends, and the Lord.