Gerald Dean Harrison

Bay was born on April 3rd, 1961 to parents Rose Norberto and Eugene Harrison in the Chaco Valley located in San Juan County, New Mexico. He was a full-blooded Native American and took immense pride in his native heritage, in which he believed all things begin and end with Mother Earth. Bay was descended from the Salt Clan of the Navajo Tribe, the oldest clan in the Navajo nation.

At the age of 14, Bay was one of three selected from his tribe for an academic scholarship. He attended Brethren Christian High School located in Long Beach, CA and graduated in the class of ‘79.

After graduating, Bay worked a number of odd jobs until his career as a master bus technician began. In ‘99 he started working for Long Beach Transit until he moved on to First Transit in September ‘11. He found great joy in his career and was beloved by those at OCTA till the end of his days.

In June of ‘80, Bay met Marian “DeDe” McIntyre one fateful night at Knott’s Berry Farm– and he never left her side again. They got married in ‘83 at Baptist Church in Buena Park, and went on to have two children: Autumn and April Harrison. They were married for 38 blissful years.

Bay was also a passionate sports fan and could be found and heard loudly cheering for the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Angels on any given day. Although his favorite games were the ones played by his two daughters, his favorite players of all.

Bay was and forever will be known as a kind and wonderful man that was determined to support his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His girls meant more to him than anything else in the world, something that was often said or clearly shown on his face whenever they were near. His smile will shine on in the memories of all those he cared for and his laugh will ring on as each day passes.

Anyone that knew Bay knew that he was the most loving father, husband, uncle, son, brother, and friend a person could ask for and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife DeDe and his daughters Autumn and April.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and notes, instead to contribute to helping our planet in any way possible. Bay loved nature, so any kind act towards Mother Earth is a kind act for Bay and his memory. There will be a funeral service at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary on April 16th at 1 pm. A reception will follow at The Bowery in Downtown Fullerton.