Bruce Walter Harris

Bruce Walter Harris, the son of Walter George Harris and Dorothy Irene (Kienholz) Harris was born at Lake City Hospital in Minnesota. The young family moved a number of times ultimately settling in Waitsburg, Washington. Bruce and sisters Patricia (Patty) and Bette attended schools and church there. As a boy Bruce raised chickens to sell to the ladies in town and often watched his sisters when his parents were working. He also began a lifelong pastime of growing flowers, reviving irises in the home they lived in. When he was older, he helped with Harvest, worked on a number of farms, and was involved in Future Farmers of America. Bruce learned piano, played football among other sports, and attended dances. He loved fishing and camping and participated in the Boy Scouts. Later as a father and Assistant Scoutmaster he helped to lead members of his sons’ troop to the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Waitsburg High School he attended Washington State University to study Industrial Arts and Education. On August 19, 1962 he married high school and college sweetheart Margaret Griffen from the neighboring town of Dayton, Washington. They were married for 53 years. They became parents in 1963, raising five children: Kricket, Bryan, Tod, Heather, and Melody.

After Bruce finished his degree, they moved to Western Washington for a teaching position at Alderwood Junior High. Later he changed schools to help open the brand-new Brier Junior High which eventually became Brier-Terrace Middle School. Bruce taught Wood Shop classes for more than 35 years; also teaching Metal Shop, Math, Drafting, Power Mechanics, Technology, and Art.

They bought a two-bedroom house on half an acre and settled in Brier, Washington down the road from the school Bruce taught at. At the front of their yard was the charming white picket heart-shaped trellis and gate that had roses growing over it. For a period of time the family of seven lived in the two-bedroom house. Bruce disassembled a boat house so that a custom yacht could be launched; bringing home the wood for an addition that would more than double the size of their home. This turned out to be an ongoing project for over 20 years. On his days off he split his time between his business "Harris Home Repair and Custom Building" where he would do Carpentry and Custom Woodwork and use the income to continue the addition. Along the way he taught himself plumbing, framing, painting, electrical work, roofing, and cement masonry.

Bruce and Margaret loved to make and appreciate art together and also did square dancing together. They enjoyed traveling to Long Beach for the annual stunt kite festival or visiting nearby Edmonds beach to take in the view and a book. In the back of the property was the garden that provided vegetables and berries for the family. In later years the garden was mostly flowers that Bruce often gave away.

Bruce loved trains of all sizes and was a volunteer for the National Parks Service announcing the sites between Seattle and Montana while riding with the train engineers. He was part of the Swamp Creek and Western Railroad Association for over 40 years, helping to build much of the layout that was in the Edmonds Train Depot.

Bruce was a faithful member of Edgewood Baptist Church in Edmonds, Washington for over 47 years and was at times a church elder or deacon. He believed in Jesus’ death on the cross for his sins and eternal life in heaven for those that believe in Him. He treasured his time being part of the Caleb Community for many years.

He was happiest when he got to spend time with family and friends, often telling stories with great detail and enthusiasm. Margaret wrote about Bruce that she loved his gentlemanly ways, appreciation of life, and happy spirit.

Bruce was preceded in death by Margaret May (Griffen) Harris, his parents Walter and Dorothy Harris, sister Karen Harris who died at birth, daughter Kricket Kaye, and son Bryan Harris. He leaves behind: Bryan’s wife Lydia Harris and daughter Kristy; Tod and wife Erin Harris and their sons Ty and Gil Harris; Heather and husband Rodger Griffin and their two children Toby and Gina Griffin; and daughter Melody Harris. His sister Patty and husband Everett White; and sister Bette and husband Darrel Huwe. Nieces Lisa Griffen, Shannon White, Tricia Base, and Stacie Hahn. Nephews Richard White, Shawn White, and Chris Huwe along with spouses, grand nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Family gathered for the graveside on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Abbey View Memorial Park in Brier, Washington. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-3 p.m. on June 24, 2023 at the Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home Chapel in Shoreline, Washington. Pastor Gary Stabbert will officiate.