Dorothy and family, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated Harry.  He hired me back in 1978 under the Manager Trainee Program in Salmon Culture.  His forward thinking and innovative ideas really helped WDF become one of the premier Agencies in natural resource management and fish cultural advancements.  Through the Manager Trainee Program Harry launched the careers of many managers who would go on to serve in leadership roles in hatcheries and fish management.     

With Sympathy to you and your family....

Rich Eltrich

Grandpa

My Grandpa was a really important person in my life. My Grandpa would take Thomas and I fishing in the summer, camping at the properties like North Fork and PeEll and we did fun things at Grandpas house.

My Grandpa took my brother Thomas and I fishing for fish. My Grandpa would take us on a little boat that could fit about five people, is silver and has a hole that leaks which you can't see but you can feel the water at your feet from the hole. Last time Grandpa, Thomas and I went fishing was last summer and we went to a really interesting lake called Summit Lake. It was a clear lake and had motor boats with people in tubes. I thought that the motor boats would tip over our boat  which kind of freaked me out but my brother said that it wouldn't. When we were done fishing I don't think we caught any fish but we still had fun and Thomas and I went swimming while Grandpa watched us.

Camping is my favorite thing about hanging out with Grandpa. When we would camp we would usually camp out at the North Fork in Grandpas trailer. The trailer wasn't very nice but it made memories of Grandpa. At the North Fork we would make s'mores and hot dogs. Sometimes I would make Grandpa s'mores when Grandpa would ask me to. When we would also go to the North Fork My brother and I would bring back crawdads and agates to show Grandpa what we got from the river. PeEll I only stayed there once but it was really fun and had a little room you get to by a ladder. When Thomas and I were up in that little room we woke up from Grandpa making our breakfast which smelt really good. 

Grandpa during Christmas time him and me would work at the farm and help out customers. Grandpa would help the customers that needed help with where the trees are and even some needed help cutting down the tree. I would help Grandpa out by getting the money for the tree and giving back change. It was cool how for change if they needed like two dollars Grandpa would tell me to give out a two dollar bill which is really cool. My Grandpa helped me learn how to drive a tractor around the farm which is pretty awesome.

Grandpa thanks for helping me with school, gymnastics, my Disneyland trip and other things. I think its really remarkable how much you helped out our family for everything. Grandpa you are as special to me as holly is on a wreath.

Love your gem,
Jewel

I met Harry as a classmate of my husband.  They were real good buddies in school, fishing and hunting and being boys.  Harry was one of a kind. A very gentle man with a good sense of humor and skills of the outdoors that most younger generation will never know. He took care of everyone he knew.
I will miss his Christmas tree each year that he delivered to my home.  (Another act of kindness by him to many.)  On our trip to Yakima with Clair, I was asking him when he was going to retire.  He said when he did, he hoped it was with a machete in his hands.  (Trimming trees).

I am honored to have known him.

I grew up with dad telling me I was lucky.  He never really told me what he meant but I knew I was lucky that we had a beautiful lake front home, lucky we had enough clothes, enough food, and didn't have to work that hard.  Sometimes he said I was lucky when I knew there was a crisis but he didn't want us to think about that – just remember the luckiness of life.
I am the youngest girl and I think he never thought there'd be more children so I became the one he took to do those boy things……Or maybe more likely it was just to keep me out of mom's hair.  He took me fishing when I could hold a pole – so we could catch our limit.  He took me duck hunting – hiking for miles over the hills and I never felt lost.  I have learned to appreciate the peace and tranquility of the pacific northwest and have traveled some – oh I should say only a few – of the places he did.
Over the years that word lucky has changed a bit as I've grown and matured.  I know that I was lucky then and now I know I was blessed.  Blessed to have had him as a father, a role model and your friend.

What an amazing, engaging and dedicated man.  He seemingly viewed the challenges in this life as opportunities to work hard, retain humility and live with purpose.  Harry's merit and mentorship is a testimony to a life well-lived…he will be missed on this side of eternity.

Jenny and family,
Although we have never met,   I have heard of you from your Dad. I am  John Closner of Yakima,  a member of the Class of 1945. and one who always thought of your Dad as a good friend.  When Claire Hamilton called Monday evening with news of Harry's passing,  I was shocked and very saddened.  We first met in the ninth grade @ Chehalis Junior High School,  and have kept in touch ever since.  Your Dad,  Clair, and Toni Sturdivant were here to have lunch with me in early  Sept. and get some fruit to take back home  [ this has been an annual event for several years].   The name "Senn" has been known to me for many years as my father worked at Darigold and your grandfather, Grover Senn" brought many truckloads of milk to the plant to be processed.
I must add that I have known your mother longer than I knew your Dad.   When I was a first grader [1933-34] @ the Union one room school,  your mother was in the second grade.  My brother and grew up playing with your uncles Albert and Martin.

Bless all of you.

Harry enjoyed teaching me a lesson or two but never lectured. He loved to play practical jokes, but was never mean. He was one of the finest fish biologist of his time without the need to be acknowledged as such.  He was "old school".  Just what the modern world needs today..... more old school people like my friend and mentor, Harry Senn.

Dear Senn Family,
I was so filled with sorrow when I read your tribute to Harry. You were right to say that he was always so filled with joy. Harry was 5 years older than me, but we were both graduates of the UW School of Fisheries, and though we worked for different agencies, we were in the same group of salmon biologists for the rest of our carrers. And, what wonderful carrers they were....being tutored by the pioneers in our field. I didn't see Harry very much in our later years, but whenever I did, I treasured the moments.
     I won't be able to attend your Celebration of Harry's Life, (due to handicaps), but I know that he will be honored for a life well done. God speed, Harry.
   Anthony Novotny, Lacey. WA

Harry was like a father to me for several years...teaching me how to fish, split wood, and be an outdoor guy.  "if you shoot it, you eat it" is what he always told Tom and I.  I think Tom ate a Blue Jay at one point during our childhood.  Thanks for the great memories and life lessons Harry...you will be missed!

We will miss you Harry!  Our years of doing business with you were the best.  You were the kick in the pants we needed!   To  Harry's family:  We are very sorry for your loss.

                                                      The Harding Family

I am so saddened to hear of Harry's passing. Growing up he was like a second father to me. So salt of the earth and genuine were he and Mrs. Senn. There isn't enough room here to write how many memories I have Harry, Tom and the entire Senn family. Harry left the world was a better place.

Harry was a true gentleman and a blessing to be around.  He was one of the nicest people I ever met, and his work ethic was second to no one.  What a great guy.  Harry left this world a better place.

Dearest Senn Family,

May the following words bring you comfort... 

"... I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea - remember me.

As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty - remember me.

As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity - remember me.

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts and in your memories of the times we laughed, in the times we cried, but most of all, of the times we loved. For if you always think of me, I will never be gone." 


We will think of you always, Harry.
It was an honor and a pleasure to have known you all these years. You are, and always will be, a part of this place you once called home. Your smile will be missed...

OBITUARY

Harry Gene Senn

May 4, 1927 – November 11, 2013

Sticklin Funeral Chapel

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