Dale Jim Harris

Harris in Pomona, California. As a young boy he was rambunctious, talkative, silly, comical, caring, mischievous, and loving; those traits stayed with him throughout his life. He was always running around in the orange groves, climbing Elephant Hill, pretending to be a cowboy, and generally running amuck. He would run around, looking for adventures all over his neighborhood with his many friends.

Young Dale and his family experienced tragedy and loss, when his brother Gene passed away at the age of 15. As expected, the devastation and heartache had a lasting effect on Dale and his family. In 1963, Dale’s family moved from the Pomona area to Sacramento, where he cultivated his love of music and learned how to play the guitar. Dale left home as a young teenager and moved to Southern Oregon. From a very young age, he dreamed of being a famous rock star. He played music all over the place, writing songs, recording at Toad music, and honing his craft with the band Rainbow Trail. His natural musical talent enabled him to rock out on saxophones, pianos, guitars, banjos, harmonicas, drums, and even spoons on his knees. He would walk all over Ashland and through Lithia Park playing his electric guitar, amp over his shoulder, sharing his music and light with the world.

In 1978, Dale met his little sister‘s best friend, Suzanne, the day after he had wreaked havoc in Ashland, beating up trash cans and cop cars. Suzanne loved him at first sight. They gave a go at it, and were surprised with a son Ryan Christopher. Suzanne and Dale went their separate ways, yet stayed in touch with each other throughout the years.

The same year he met Suzanne, he met Faith, when he rented out a room in a four bedroom house on 5th St in Ashland. He would sit around playing his guitar for his roommates and friends, in usual Dale style. He was fun to hang out with, he’d tell jokes and get the whole room laughing in no time. He was sweet and funny and Faith fell in love with him. Dale and Faith married in 1981 in Ashland, Oregon with their two boys by their side, Keith James and Jacob Daniel. They went on to have Jenny Beth, Rita May, Kelly Jean, and his little pint-sized cowboy, Kyle Phillip. There was nothing in this world that he loved more than all of his kids. He wanted to give them the world, keep them safe and happy always, never hurting in any way. Dale and Faith took separate paths after 11 years of

marriage; he never stopped loving her for giving him his most precious gifts, his children and grandchildren.

Dale and family were blessed again and again with new additions to the family, his grandchildren: Reyanna Lyn, Adrienne Mattea, Skyler James, Kianah Mae, Aldyn Connor, Charlie Shae, and Everly Annette. He loved being a grandpa and truly adored each one of them as unconditionally and wholeheartedly as his

children.

Dale continued living in Southern Oregon for many years where he worked hard and played hard, making a lot of very good friends, and trying to get by with his little buddy Kyle for many years. As years passed, he had hard days and good days, rough times and great times; he pushed through it all, never losing the best parts of him, his loving, genuine, and kind heart.

In 2007, he moved up to Portland, Oregon to start a new chapter in his life. He lived with Rita and her husband Sam and their daughter Kianah until 2013. He worked on remodeling several homes of close family and friends. He was able to spend quality time with his granddaughter Kianah, as he was her baby sitter for many years and cherished that time with her. He loved being around for family functions and becoming good friends with many people along the way. As years went on, it became more and more difficult for him to continue working on houses and watching his grandbaby, due to loss of mobility. His dream of becoming a world famous musician endured and remained immense. Even though at times, he had difficulty strumming his guitar strings as swiftly as he once did, he

continued to play music and write songs with his neighbors and friends and even began teaching others how to play. His music was a gift to the world and a passion that persevered with him. As was his loving, genuine, helpful, friendly, funny, charismatic, and compassionate essence.

May he be at peace, playing his music and laughing and joking with friends and family safely in the comfort of God.

Please wear your favorite band t-shirt to the service in honor of Dale's love of music!