Frederick Dale Harris

Fred Harris was born January 26, 1956 in Lansing Michigan. He graduated from Holt High School in 1974. Following graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he was stationed in Turkey. He was honorably discharged in October 1977.

After a dispute between the USA and Turkey, Fred’s base was informed that the Turkish Army was preparing to overtake the base. They were ordered to flee. He and several other soldiers were aboard a C-130 when the Turkish Army mistakenly shot their plane down in the Mediterranean Sea. He and two others were the only survivors. They were rescued and returned to the base where he and those remaining at the base were held in captivity for six months. Because of those traumatic events he struggled with PTSD and survivor’s guilt most of his adult life.

He went on to be employed by Michigan Bell Telephone, later AT&T. He worked for the telephone company for 32 years. After his retirement, he got his dream job: mowing at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bath.

In his spare time, he loved to indulge in his favorite hobby: photographing train engines, the more unusual the better. He was an avid model railroader. He enjoyed the peace and quiet while in his boat on the Looking Glass River and the small lakes at Rose Lake in Bath. Fred was a member of several softball leagues while in the service and with Michigan Bell Telephone Company.

Fred endeavored to do his very best in every aspect of his life. He was a very sensitive, caring man.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thelma and Louis Harris and Helen and Dale Sinke; his Uncle Dale Sinke, many aunts and uncles, as well as his brother-in -law, John Hogarth. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 34 years, Vicki. Also surviving are his parents, Joan and Lyle Harris; his brother Ron Harris, sister Kathy Hogarth, Aunt Donna Von Schmittou, sister-in-law, Sherry Parmater, many nieces and nephews and his beloved companion and protector, Cindy, his golden retriever.

The memorial service will be on Monday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Mason.

In lieu of flowers, a donation honoring Fred may be made to the VFW in Bath Michigan, the Ingham County Animal Shelter in Mason or the American Cancer Society.