Gary C. Harris

Gary Charles Harris was born November 12, 1951, in Oakland, California, to Earl and Elizabeth (Johnson) Harris. Gary attended Portola Junior High School in El Cerrito, and Campolindo High School in Moraga, California. Always physically active, he enjoyed sports (football and baseball), water skiing, the theater, music and square dancing with family and friends.

After high school Gary entered the Coast Guard in 1969 - stationed in Guam, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and San Francisco, California.

After his service in the Coast Guard he married Susan (Weber) McAdam in 1974. Over their 41 years together they lived between Washington and California, finally settling in Port Orchard, Washington. They raised three children and one grandchild.

Gary followed his grandfather and father into his career as a heavy metal forger. His chosen profession was natural for him, allowing him to work with his hands on a daily basis. He retired from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 2014.

Gary loved to support his children's interests and helped them in many ways such as a little league coach, cub scout leader, and mentor to their friends. He loved to give his children motorcycle rides after work and take them camping and fishing. Lake Tahoe was a favorite place, but any small fishing stream would do. For fun and excitement, Gary loved to go cruising, especially to Alaska. While on Labadee Island, he even rode the highest zip line in the world!

Family gatherings and parties were always more vibrant with Gary around. He brought smiles to all with a light-hearted soul. His friends always knew he cared and his family always knew he could be counted on. His biggest regret was not winning the lottery, but maybe some day those numbers will hit just right.

Gary battled lung disease for the past 5 years and passed away on January 29, 2016 while surrounded by his loving family in Gig Harbor, Washington. He is survived by his Wife (Susan of Port Orchard, WA), his brother (Don Harris of Cari, N.C.), his children (Julie Harris of Eugene, OR, Amy (Faiumu) Launiuvao of Auburn, WA, Justin (Jeni) Harris of East Wenatchee, WA) and his grandchildren (Angelica, Michael, Andrew, Brittany, Cameron, Abrielle, Elysse, and David) and his great grandchildren (Mia, Wayne and Hagen), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Any donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in his honor.