Al Harris

Al Harris left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born in Seattle, Wa. on February 6,1927. Shortly after, his Mother and Father moved to Juno, Alaska where his father pursued work as a Gold Miner. He later moved to Cove, Oregon where he spent his growing up years having been adopted by his grandparents and raised on a farm. What a wonderful memorable time that was for him! There he learned to work hard and hard he did work! His grandfather was the first blacksmith in Cove, Oregon.

In 1943 Al joined the Navy where he served in a combat aircraft service unit. There he became an Electrician’s Mate after studying electrical theory. He served in Okinawa in 1945 on the Navy’s version of the B-24.  After the Navy he attended La Grande Oregon Jr. College and went on to earn his Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Washington in Business Administration. After moving to Santa Barbara, California in 1964 he went on to work for many years as Business Manager of Washburn Chevrolet, C&H Chevrolet and later Gregg Motors of Santa Barbara. 

He lived a beautiful life in Santa Barbara Ca. for 56 years. He enjoyed walking Shoreline Park each morning to catch the sunrise and greet fellow park strollers. The highlight was in meeting familiar dogs where he would go “nose to nose” in admiration for the furry creatures. Al loved dogs and cats and had a tender spot for all animals. He was able to see the beauty in the little things and taught his children to do the same. It was in beautiful Santa Barbara that he raised his daughters Debbie, Yvonne (Vonnie) and Diane.

Al is survived by his daughters Yvonne Davis (Gary), Diane Harris, Vicky Doerr along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Al was preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Harris and brother, Harry Harris and sister, Helen Johnson.