Lance Charles Harris

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce Lance's recent passing. Lance was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dr. and Mrs. Leland Harris on January 12, 1959. Within a couple of years, the family moved to San Jose, California, where Lance attended the Westerner Preschool and Booksin Elementary. He was a very strong swimmer, winning many ribbons and medals as a member of the Willow Glen Swim Team. He enjoyed being part of Indian Guides alongside his dad. He loved to snow ski and spent time on the slopes at Squaw Valley with family and friends. He loved skateboarding and was a natural at waterskiing from a very early age.

In 1971, the family moved to Bellevue, Washington, just before Lance was to enter the 6th grade at Three Points Elementary. He attended Chinook Junior High and enjoyed being on the wrestling team. He graduated from Bellevue High School where he was on the varsity football team and also coached Powder Puff Football. He also took great pride coaching his youngest sister's soccer team, the Hurricanes. Lance enjoyed boating on Lake Washington. He loved to take the family boat with a group of friends and fare (and his sisters!), cruising out to Seafair for the annual hydroplane races. He especially liked to experience the Blue Angels as they flew overhead magnificently and seemingly so close it was as if they were within reach.

A couple years after graduating high school, Lance moved to Bellingham where he graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Music from the College of Fine and Performing Arts. He enjoyed performing in local theater, particularly musical comedy theater. He completed training as a stuntman, developing the necessary action and performance combat skills to land a number of roles in the entertainment industry. He was a very disciplined and devoted daily runner. Lance was, by far, the best slalom skier on Lake Washington, oftentimes venturing out in the early Spring months to go a couple laps around the chilly waters of Cozy Cove without a wetsuit. Lance also very much enjoyed martial arts, practicing karate and reaching the level of purple belt.

Returning to the Bellevue area after college, Lance met his lovely bride, Julie Yanda. They were married on October 11, 1987. They have two beautiful daughters, Amanda Jean "AJ"(1990) and Marthana Anna "Mattie" (1994). Lance established himself as a painting contractor and practiced this trade for most of his career. His last position, which he really enjoyed, was working at the Bellevue Club as a locker room attendant, maintaining excellent service standards for members and their guests. He enjoyed interacting with people and was recognized for his over-and-above efforts providing this service.

Lance will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He had a dry wit and loved to laugh at his own jokes, which were oftentimes merely a circuitous play on words. He was an extremely generous soul with a heart full of warmth and compassion for others. He would eagerly give the shirt off his back or would make time for whatever someone else needed even when he had little to spare. He was a champion to those who couldn't speak up for or defend themselves. He was a fair and very gentle man. He was a trustworthy confidante and friend.

Lance is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughters, Amanda Seglem (Erik) and Mattie Harris; his mother, Judith Harris, his sister, Lisa Harris-Kirkland, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Leland, and sister, Karen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Wednesday, February 13th, at 1 pm. Following the service and interment, a reception will be held at Angelo’s Ristorante in Bellevue, from 3 pm to 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Wounded Warrior Project. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Angelo’s Ristorante

1830 130th Avenue NE

Bellevue, WA 98005

425-883-2777

https://www.mapquest.com/us/washington/angelos-restaurant-12515360