Gary William Harris

Gary William Harris went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2023. Gary was born in Springville, Utah to Reuel and Alma Harris. The family later moved to Salt Lake City where Gary grew up. Gary’s high school years were busy years. He worked as a candy maker, a short order cook and as a member of the Utah Air National Guard he was the cook for the Guard’s weekend maneuvers. Gary also worked with his dad to restore their Salt Lake City home which was registered as a historical site. But Gary never missed an opportunity to play a game of ice hockey or ski the beautiful Utah mountains.

Gary graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and joined The United States Marine Corp. Gary was a proud Marine and said that all Marines say, “Once a Marine always a Marine!” Gary was discharged with honor from the Marine Corp and returned to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Banking and Finance.

Gary began his long and distinguished banking career by moving to Los Angeles to work at United California Bank in its Corporate Banking Division. He later moved to Boise, Idaho and worked at Idaho 1st National Bank in commercial lending. This is where Gary met his wife, Jo.

Gary worked at Idaho 1st National until 1973 when UCB asked him to return to California and develop a Wealth Management Division in Santa Barbara. Gary and Jo married on May 12, 1973, and moved to Santa Barbara.

Gary worked for UCB through many transitions. United California Bank became 1st Interstate Bank which then became Wells Fargo Bank. It was at that time Gary chose to take early retirement and become part of Private Client Group at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust where he worked for over 12 years until he retired in 2004.

Throughout his life Gary was dedicated and involved in many organizations in the community and was respected for his remarkable ability to lead with kindness and fairness.

It was after Gary and Jo moved to Santa Barbara that he made a decision that would forever change his life. He committed his life to Jesus Christ and involvement ni the church became a significant part of his life. He was part of many Christian organizations and ministries in the community as well.

In 1980 Gary was invited to join the Westmont Board of Trustees. For 33 years he served as a Trustee and for 6 years served as the Board Chair. Gary would often say that serving on the Westmont Board of Trustees was a great honor and privilege.

Gary leaves his wife, Jo. His four children, Greg (Blake), Paul, Laura, and Steve (Joan) from his first marriage. 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Westmont College, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission or The Samarkand Benevolent Fund.

A Celebration of Garys’ Lfie wil take place no Friday January 5th, 3PM at Santa Barbara Community Church, 1002 Cieneguitas Rd. Santa Barbara.