Robert Bruce Harris

Bob was born March 7, 1934 to Lawrence and Olaven (Paradis) Harris at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima. Bob attended St. Paul’s Grade School, St. Edwards Seminary and Marquette High School.

He married Barabara Lee Pursell on April 18th, 1953 at St. Paul’s Cathedral. They enjoyed 66 years of a loving marriage before Barbara passed on October 25, 2019.

Bob and Barabara also raised 9 children and fostered 27 newborns before adoption. The children loved working alongside their parents who made chores fun and part of “team work.”

Bob was a 2nd generation farmer for Harris Farms, a poultry and fruit operation started by his parents in 1939 on Englewood Avenue. He and Barbara worked side by side with family to develop it into a large family farming operation, raising chickens, packing eggs, farming cherry and apple trees in both the Yakima Valley and along the Columbia River at Roosevelt. There are now 4 generations who have worked at Harris Farms and Cherry River.

Bob's true passion was Cherries. Few growers pushed the limits of innovation like Bob; he was known for his futuristic ideas, innovative experiments, willingness to share information, "can do" attitude, and most of all, good humor, and willingness to keep moving through successes and failures to achieve his dream of a more perfect cherry orchard. In recognition of this he was crowned "Cherry King" in 1999 by the Western Fruit Growers.

Bob gave generously of his time, talent and treasures, colleagues in the industry soon became friends and employee's learned they didn't work for him, but with him.

Bob and Barbara were both devoted members of Holy Family Catholic Parish. They were active in supporting Yakima Catholic schools, where their children and grandchildren attended. Bob was also a lifelong member of The Knights of Columbus and taught CCD classes for many years.

His heart and home were always open to the many friends, family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who loved his company. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Harris, his parents, his sisters Jacqueline Verhey, Patricia Verhey, Anna Melton, Sandra Forres, and his brother Donald Harris.

He is survived by Jody (Wayne) Burns of Bellevue, Kathy (Sam) Weaver, Terry Harris of Seattle, Jim (Dianne Harris) of Yakima, Linda (Scott) Morse of Yakima, Laura (Bill) Harris of Selah, Patrick (Erin) Harris of Helena, MT, John (Sara) Harris of Yakima, and Mark "Bubba" Harris of Seattle, 26 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church: Vigil on Monday August 26, 2024 at 5:30pm; Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday August 27, 2024 at 10:30 am with luncheon immediately following in the Fr. Murtagh Gathering Hall. A committal service will be held at 2 pm at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Union Gospel Mission, Selah/Naches Food Bank, or St. Jude.

Memories and sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com