George DeWin Harris

George DeWin “Moose” Harris, 72, of Troutdale, OR, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 14, 2023. His generous heart finally gave out due to congestive heart failure and complications from diabetes.

DeWin was born on July 8, 1951 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George Dudley Harris and Wanda Murphy Harris. As a child, he lived in Idaho Falls, Vancouver, Washington, and Butte Falls, Oregon. He graduated from Butte Falls High School as a four-sport varsity athlete and valedictorian.

Following his service as a missionary for the LDS church, DeWin attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was here that his occasional high school nickname of “Moose” officially stuck. His college roommate, Cliff Holley, said he would never remember the name “DeWin” so he referred to him only by his nickname. From that moment on he would be affectionately known as “Moose” by many for the rest of his life.

While at BYU, he joined the prestigious BYU Ballroom Dance Team, where he met his forever dance partner, Barbara Fae Ouzts. He and Barbara were married on August 14, 1975, in the Washington D.C. LDS Temple and celebrated over 47 years of marriage.

DeWin graduated from BYU in 1976, with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Chemistry and Business. He continued his education by attending the Oregon Health Science University and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) in 1980.

Upon graduating from dental school, DeWin (now Dr. Harris) and Barbara along with their two small children settled in Troutdale, Oregon. Dr. Harris established his dental practice in Gresham, Oregon, where he practiced for 40 years before retiring in 2020.

During his distinguished career Dr. Harris earned several continuing education degrees, awards, and honors. Some include: Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), Oregon Dentist of the Year, and the Life Long Learning and Service Recognition. In addition to being an avid learner who participated in thousands of hours of continuing education and study clubs throughout his career, Dr. Harris also taught several continuing education courses and volunteered countless hours to various dental organizations and fellow dentists. Dr. Harris treated thousands of patients over his career.

DeWin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully served God and his neighbors by accepting a variety of volunteer positions where he was able to touch the lives of many people.

DeWin was involved with the Boy Scouts of America Program in some capacity for most of his life and served in various leadership roles with Cascade Pacific Council. During the six years he served as a Scout Master over 95% of the young men he led earned their Eagle Scout Award. He considered all the young men he had the opportunity to work with like his own sons.

In addition to Scouting, DeWin also enjoyed woodworking and playing card games of all varieties with his family and friends. He was widely feared as a card-counting shark - at least until his grandchildren started beating him at Go Fish.

DeWin was predeceased by his younger sister Harriet in 1975, his father George Dudley in 1982, and his mother Wanda Murphy Harris in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, his five sons: George-Christopher, Nathan (Charlene), Daren (Heather), Brian (Lucy), and Jared (Deborah); his 12 grandchildren: Callie, Jace, Elna-Fae, Harriet, Georgia, Fiona, Ava, Carlisle, Layla, Hayden, Hailey, and Paige; and his siblings: Vicki (Jerry) Rudd, Kim (Janae) Harris, Todd (Mary Jo) Harris, Jill (Terry) McEwen, Neal Harris, and Linda (Nigel) Larsen,

DeWin spent the last weeks of his life doing what he loved most - being surrounded by his family, planning and participating in scouting activities, singing, dancing, and eating fresh-picked berries. He was also able to celebrate his 72nd birthday with his wife and all of his children and grandchildren less than a week prior to his passing.

He will always be remembered for his integrity, work ethic, generosity, service, commitment to his faith and family, love of music, fun loving humor, and hatred of onions.

Though DeWin passed on quietly in his sleep, his departure from this world and his absence in the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him is nothing short of resounding. As the saying goes, “To know him was to love him,” and DeWin returned that love in kind.

DeWin will be laid to rest at Douglass Cemetery in Troutdale, Oregon.

Public Viewing/Visitation will be held on Friday, July 28th, 2023, at 10:00 AM

LDS Chapel

1515 SW Cherry Park Rd., Troutdale, OR 97060

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29th, 2023 at 11:00 AM

LDS Chapel

3500 SE 182nd Ave., Gresham, OR 97030

The memorial service will also be broadcast online at: Stream.GreshamStake.org

We would love for you to come and honor his life with us.

For those who wish to make a charitable contribution in DeWin's honor, please consider The American Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at the links below for the Harris family.