Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Todd Morrison Harris

About

San Juan High School

Todd Harris Obituary

HARRIS, Todd Morrison
Born on May 8, 1962 in San Diego, CA and passed away on September 19, 2004 at the age of 42. He was raised in South Lake Tahoe, and later moved to Sacramento. Here he fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher. He graduated Sac State Magna Cum Laude and went on to teach at San Juan High School. He loved skiing, basketball, baseball, history, music, kids, movies, travel, thunderstorms and much much more. He was a singer songwriter and has written hundreds of beautiful songs. His favorite vacation place is Playa Del Carmen in Mexico, where he enjoyed the water, beaches, and the culture. Todd was a generous and loving father and husband who loved life more than life itself. He will be in our hearts forever and missed by everyone he touched. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Sunday the 26th of September at 11:00 AM at Lind Brothers Mortuary, 4221 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael. TMH "I will love you forever and we will live again in Evermore" Tiny Tiger.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Todd Harris

33 Entries

Pharren Quimby

November 15, 2004

Mr. Harris,

When I think back on high school, you and being in your class holds the most memories. I can never express to you or anyone else how much you have touched my life and the many lives of others. We had so many fun times in class, so many laughs, jokes, and so much meaningful things and lessons taught to all of us. In our hearts and thoughts you will always be remebered. We love you!

Steve Nichols

October 17, 2004

Mr Harris,

Thank you for everything you've done. His class was one of the only classes I actually looked forward to going too everyday. He made class fun and enjoyable, never a dull moment. I learned so much from him about history, polotics, and life. He was always there if you had a problem or you just needed someone to talk too. We will miss you. My prayers go out to your family.

Thank you Mr Harris we'll meet again someday.

Steve Nichols A1C USAF

Nick Nilsen

October 16, 2004

I wish I could tell this man thank you for all he has done to inspire me to learn as much as possible about anything I could, especially polotics... I was in his AP US history class for one semester my Junior year and even though I earned what Harris called a "gentlemens D" I learned more in his class than any other history class I've ever had. Thank you Harris I'll never forget you.

Crystal Boyd

September 30, 2004

I dont know how to express how much Mr. Harris cared and loved for his students other that to say it. Mr. Harris was such an inspiration to all of the population at San Juan. He always found a way to make someones day better just by walking by you in the halls. I will truely miss Mr. Harris. I was in his class the first year he taught APUSH. HE and I didn't always see eye to eye, but that's what made him sucha great individual. He would let say what you thought and would never criticise you for it, he would respect your opinion and then he would make sure you listened to what he had to say about the subject. I want to send my condolences to his wife and children, I am truely sad that his is gone... but still in our hearts. Thank you Mr. Harris for everything you taught me, even when I wasn't in your class and for letting me express myself even when you disagreed. ~ Crystal Boyd

Juan Orozco Jr.

September 29, 2004

what can i say that hasn't already been said about Mr. Harris? Mr. Harris made it fun to go to class even if you didn't wont to. i never learned so much for a teacher. i remember when he would play Bob Marley in the classroom and we would talk about how much we enjoyed his music. my prays go out to his family, we are all losing someone great. you will be missed Harris. Always, Juan

Lisa Yarborough

September 29, 2004

I cannot begin to express the sorrow that comes into my chest at the realization of the loss of such an amazing human being, "Retodd Harris". I can however demonstrate my admiration for such compassionate and amazing man who I witnessed through the course of 02-03 APUSH teach and teach like no other. There is a reason why he consistently was honored with Teacher of the Year, but honestly this man was Teacher of Lifetime. He was absolutely passionate and dedicated. I am grateful and honored to have known him. I am especially fortunate for this because of the influence which he provided in my life. I am a history major at HSU, minoring in art, I want to teach one day. A great part of this aspiration is due to his inspiration. And I am simply the major I am because of his affect on my life. Thanks Mr.Harris, there needs to be more people like you.

And while I am certain they know, one of the most fond thoughts I have of Harris is how much he loved his family. I am incredibly sorry for their loss. Additionally I know I will never forget his adament belief in life and its beauty. I will never forget how he demonstrated that, in particular a scarp of cardboard from his brother in Afghanastan(?) or how he kept a count of persons killed in the ongoing wars, this man did things which so many would not. Fear is something he did not express, and it is not something I feel he would want those of us grieving this great loss to do. May Harrisism live on forever. "We'll always have hope!"

JOSH MCMURTRY

September 28, 2004

Mr.Harris,

One of the greatest teachers i ever had at san juan. never a dull moment in his class. knew how to have fun yet, get the facts of the discussion across to the class. Mr.Harris you made me look at life and so many other subjects in life in a different way which has helped me in so many different ways. your in a better place and will forever be missed. your homie Josh

Gayle Hines

September 27, 2004

Each of my kids had Mr. Harris as their teacher, Amy, ('03) and Dan, ('06). I wanted to voice my deep appreciation to Mr. Harris for challenging my kids..even pushing them at times. You not only challenged them, but you made them strive. But mine are not alone here. With every entry I've read and at the Memorial Service yesterday, everyone is saying the same thing..How awesome Mr. Harris is as a teacher, a friend, a man..and how much they love him. As a mom, I'm forever greatful for a teacher who made such a tremendous difference in the lives of our kids at San Juan. I am deeply touched by the love that has poured out from our San Juan family and I know this love will continue to be a great strength to the Harris family always.

Mike Jones

September 27, 2004

My two oldest daughters had Mr. Harris for AP History. They both loved his course, and thought the world of him. His liberals leanings were embraced by my eldest daughter, and rejected by my second, which created fascinating discussions in our home. But both my daughters and I agree: Mr. Harris challenged them to THINK. To examine things. Never to just "accept" things, but always explore and ask "why?". As a parent I'm saddened to lose such a valuable teacher. My heart goes out to his family on the passing of such a valuable husband and father.

John Luecke

September 26, 2004

Todd, my first real friend:

I have always thought of you as my saving grace during our high school years in Lake Tahoe. You and your family welcomed me into your home and forever changed the direction in my life. You taught me the things in life that I did not get from my family. I remember you and I going off to college together in San Diego and living at that appartment on Mission Beach. You where like a brother to me and I am only sorry that we drifted apart over the years. Reading the entries here tell me what I always knew about you, you where something special and had many gifts to share with others. I will never forget your uniqueness and love for life. My prayers for your family during this difficult time.

Peace my friend!

John Luecke

dean steele

September 25, 2004

You were a great teacher to me and everyone else. you always had something funny to say and you even gave miss c. a hard time last year. no teacher will ever have a decorative class then you, (I love the Bob Marley poster.) You'll be missed greatly, Harrisism forever!!

Rachel Simmons

September 25, 2004

We never saw eye to eye on anything; May it have been religion, politics, theology, and were my dedication should be held. Sure I was in your AP class with no desire to be there other the fact that all my friends were there. And sure FHA-HERO took over my life so much so that we fought over the fact that I wasn’t in class (mentally of physically most of the time). But it was those fights that I respect. You taught me to choose what is important to me and to stand up for what I believe in. I’m sorry that it wasn’t the AP test, but I think that we both agree that I’m heading in the right direction for me to be happy. As I was reading all the entries I couldn’t help but notice that the effects of your life have spread across the country. You have impacted the lives of students in such a way that they aspire to do more, help more, dream more. I only hope that one day my students will have such great things to say about me.

Jennifer Norris

September 24, 2004

Mr. Harris,

I will remember you for the time and effort you spent with us, your students, as you taught us (or should I say challenged us) to do our best in everything. You were our mentor, our teacher, and most importantly, our friend. Your support and encouragement is what got us through the AP exam...I just know it.

You've left behind plenty of memories over the time that was spent learning in your classroom. From the times when you would give us long lectures to the jokes that you would tell...these defined you as a teacher. You gave so much time and effort and placed it, in faith, into teaching us...trying to prepare us for the much bigger world out there. Thank you for that dedication.

I thank you for everything that you have taught me and for believing in me...even when I didn't always believe in myself. I feel honored to have been one of your students. Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration. I'll never forget it.

Laura Herrera

September 24, 2004

Harris,

Our times together through AP and honors will be forever in my heart. I've learned so much from you. You have impacted everyone so much. You were an awesome teacher and an even better man. You taught us that before we have an opinion, we have to know why and be able to support it. You gave us skills we need to be able to better look at life- analysis, application, and appreciation. You'll forever be at San Juan. You are a part of it always. I walk down A-hall and hear, "New York, New York, I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps". I pray for your family, but you'd be so proud of Brannon- he's been so strong for everyone. Thank you for everything- for all the APUSHing forward, the faith, the support, the muffins, 'over there', and 'Loda, Loud-uh, Loda', but the memories and smiles that come with them are the best. They helped me get through this. I'm sorry we were the last class to ever receive your genius and that my sisters won't ever have you, but i'm so thankful for the time we did have. APUSH forever. It makes me happy to know that you truly do have ALL the answers now. I can just see you interrogating everyone up there. We never did have our AP celebration, so i'll be looking to party when we next meet. Harrisism is a Way of Life.

Always and forever,

Lula

Nancy Flores

September 24, 2004

Hey Mr. Harris,

I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You had so much passion and trust in us students. Not only that, but I always remeber you talking about how great your wife was and how much you loved your children. In AP you always gave us encourgement and pushed us beyond our limits. I never thought in my mind I would be able to handle an AP class but i managed. It was fun being in your class and remember that video me and Nancy T made, it cracked you up! On sept 11, 2001, when we went into your class you had all these things prepared for us. Stuff that we didn't even know that was going on. I remember you talked that day with such a passion and you were giving us all this information. You saved the newspapers for the rest of the week and said how that was history and we would tell our kids how we were alive when that piece of history happened. It was cool how you got along with all your students, you were the only teacher who called me by my nickname, you were very down to earth and i think that was one of your qualities that made everyone love you. Zinn's book was great just like you said it would be and useful because it was assigned to me in one of my history classes at chico state! Thank you for all your lessons, you will be greatly missed.

-Flowers

Barrett Daniel

September 24, 2004

Dear Mr. Harris,

You were a role model, mentor, and teacher to all. In your class I learned something new every day, not just things about history but you also taught live lessons that I still use today. You taught me to speak my mind no matter what. You've made such an impact on me and on hundreds of other students. I've learned more from you than from any other teacher i've ever had and knoledge is the best gift anyone could give, so I thank you for that. Because of my new outlook on life and the lessons on "reality" you've shared with me is why you will always be remembered. Your life was a true blessing to this world and to San Juan. I will miss you Mr. Harris, my thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

Sincerly,

Barrett Daniel

carina werderman

September 24, 2004

all I can say is that Mr. harris had to of been the best teacher I have had and I probably will ever have , his teachings alone were and still are the inspirations behind my drive to complete my education , and make something of myself . I hope that his style and spirit in teaching will go on and keep on inspiring generations to come . my prayers go out to you and your wonderful family , I know you can hear me so stay cool and i'll see you when I get there , take care

Ryan Samery

September 24, 2004

Mr. Harris was an awesome teacher i loved how you could bring up a topic in the middle of class and debate about it for the entire period. once the bell would ring there would still be a debate about it and some would be tardy to other classes just to have a educated conversation with him. he was a great teacher and he really cared for his students. its hard to see that he is gone and i will never see him again. life goes on and i hope he is in a better place.

Summer Lynds

September 24, 2004

It's so hard to know where to begin describing the wonderful, influential man that is Mr. Harris. I still haven't fully accpeted that he is gone. Mr Harris had a profound impact on me, as I'm sure is true for many of his students. He always welcomed discussion on any topic. Mr. Harris had many enduring qualites, including his passion for teaching. He was so dedicated to his students and their success. It is so hard to accept the fact that he is gone, and I miss him deeply. It comforts me to remember the two years I was fortunate enough to learn from and get to know Mr. Harris. His class was at times stressful, interesting, engaging, and always challenging. We'd complain about the workload and all the essays, but he always had faith in us and knew what we were capable of, even when we didn't realize it at the time. I guess I simply want to thank Mr. Harris for teaching me about so much more than just history. He helped me expand my mind, gain an interest in politics, and most importantly, he taught me that I am capable of more than I think. Mrs. Harris, you and your family are constantly in my thoughts. I can only begin to imagine the pain you are experiencing. Please know that I am praying for you and asking God to be with you during this time.

Christine Sto Domingo

September 24, 2004

Mr Harris,

What can i say? You are the best thats what. I only had you for world history but that one class made me realize just how great you are. There are many teachers at San Juan, some are good some are bad. You sir are GREAT! You taught me a lot in a subject that i didn't care too much about. You can see the dedication in your eyes and you were able to touch so many students. Too bad you didn't become a teacher sooner because i feel its unfair that some people didn't get to see your greatness. You encouraged us to speak our minds and made learning fun. You actually made people want to take an AP class which i thought was the best thing ever. I just wanted to say thanks for all you have done in your life. Also, i want to give my regards to your family because i know it is hard to get over a loss as big as this. My advice to you is to just remember how influencial Todd was and that he will probably be doing the same in heaven. We'll miss him very much but we all have become better people because of him.

Terceira Bonnell

September 24, 2004

Mr. Harris, [T-Man Daddy]

I didn't get to know you very well. I didn't have you for Honours World History, but I was fortunate enough to have you for AP U.S. History in my junior year at San Juan.

All those times that I came in and talked to you about my family issues, I really appreciated the time that you took out of your busy schedule to help me. You were always an encouragement to me, telling me to do what I wanted to do, scolding me when I didn't do my homework, not scolding me when I fell asleep during your lectures because I'd been up late the night before doing the homework. You were really something else.

There are no words to describe the impact that you had on my life. I could say all of these things that I'm feeling, but I don't think that they would define how your existence encouraged me.

I must've been a pretty bad student, and if I was, it wasn't on purpose. You were the first person to ever make history interesting to me and I doubt anyone will ever succeed in that again.

So I'd like to thank you for all of the wonderful things you've done for me.

Thank you so much, Mr. Harris!

I just can't say it enough...

May you rest in peace.

Angela Beach

September 23, 2004

going back to san juan high in 2003 was a very nerve racking thing for me at first. i was nervous about getting new teachers, and teachers i had before. but my first day back i saw this cool guy walking through the halls, and the vibe that he sent off just made me relax. although i never had mr. harris as a teacher, i wish i did, i wish i could have spent more time learning from this amazing guy. the few times that i did meet him were always times that made me laugh, and i will never forget that. my heart goes out to his family and all of the other students that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Nick Werderman

September 23, 2004

Mr.Harris was one of the greatest men I ever knew. He was great at everything he did whether it was teaching an awesome lesson about anything you ever needed to know, or being a great father to his family. My prayers are with his family. I'll see you when I get there Mr.Harris.

Virginia Hamilton

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris,

Dude. Like sal said... "Thanks for making me who i am today" You were the best teacher I have EVER had. I totally miss you and I will never forget you. You'll be forever missed. I love you buddy.

To the Harris family-You are in my thoughts everyday and I am praying for you.

XoXo

Virginia

Judy higginbotham

September 23, 2004

My Prayers are with you,as you try and deal with your loss. Todd was a real fighter, who gave his all to live. May God wrap his arms of love around you and your family and give you the comfort you need.

Judy- Nurse Davis 8

Jina Morales

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris,

Words cannot express how grateful i am to have had you as a mentor and an advisor this past year in Honors History. You were the most gifted and highly respected teacher i have ever met. Everything you've taught me, all the knowledge you have shared with not only me but all your students, will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Your legacy will live on forever, not only in our hearts, but through the lives of the students you have taught. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, as we all continue on in life, thankful that you were able to live and do what you did best: give knowledge and power to succeed in life, and help us strive to be better than the best, be more intellegent than rest, and prove to everyone that we can do anything we set our mind to. If i could have seen you one last time, i wish i could have just said thank you, thank you for being the amazing teacher, mentor, and caring individual that you were. We will miss you Mr. Harris!

Sincerely,

Jina Morales

Honors W. History 03-04

PS: I wish you could have been here to teach AP History this year. i was really looking forward to it!

Christopher Smith

September 23, 2004

Todd Harris was a great man and an amazing teacher. I've never had a better teacher. He taught us about more than just history. We talked about politics, religion, science, and sometimes just life in general. Harris always went out of his way to be there for his students. Nothing gave him greater joy than knowing that his students were learning, growing, and succeeding.

One of the best things about Mr. Harris is that he loved to laugh. Brian and I went back to his class several times just to laugh and joke with him. When Mr. Harris passed away, I lost more than just a teacher. I lost a friend. And I guess that's what hurts the most.

Thank you, Todd Harris. Rest in peace.

-Smithers

sara seiple

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris,

thank you for being the nicest and coolest teacher. many people looked up to you and im sure we all will even though you are gone.we all miss you. best wishes to his wife and kids.

love always,

Sara Seiple

Beverly Voorhees

September 23, 2004

As the Finance Controller at San Juan High School, I will deeply miss you. We all loved you and will always be in awe of your musical and teaching talents! Students have told me that they hated History until you were their teacher. You had a special flare to gain their interest. Your sense of humor was well recognized. You said to me that you felt like you were coming to see "Mr. Ed" because of my Dutch door and you hummed the song as you approached my office. May Peace and Love be with you and your family.

Bev Voorhees

Erik McCall-Johnson

September 23, 2004

I really don't know what to say except I'm going to miss you a lot first off. So I guess I'll reflect on the memories. I remember when I met you in August of 2002, the first thing I noticed in your classroom was a Tupac poster. I thought that was very cool for a teacher to have that in their room. But I also noticed you knew everything about the history of the United States to me. Everytime in first period we would always try to stump you, but for some reason it never worked. You were very down to earth for a teacher and the world is going to need more teachers like you. I will tell you this though I will never forget about the times when Cyrus and I always talked and you would either tell us to "Shut up" or "GET OUT OF HERE." Those were the days. At least your in a better place now. My prayers go out to your family and you will always be in all of our hearts. You were a mentor to all of us. One more thing, hopefully the Kings could do something soon cause I don't know... Don't bet on any of the games with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley.

sINCERELY,

eRIK mCcALL-jOHNSON

James Werderman III

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris was a revolutionary teacher and a wonderful human being. He taught me not only History, but how to be a better person. The news of his passing is a shock and a huge heartbreak for me...I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and kids and to all those who worked with and were taught by Mr. Harris. I know he is in heaven looking down and one day, we will meet again. God bless you Mr. Harris.

James C. Werderman III EMFN, USN

Bill Simmons

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris,

I know that you're sitting there on the other side saying to yourself, "Man these people are crazy." You never were the kind of person to linger on anything for to long, and definitely didn't want others to either. You never let us dwell on any one thing, always pushing us to gain so every ounce of knowledge we could from every topic we could. I may not have agreed with you in politics, lifestyle, the human condition, or just about anything you believed in. But I always respected you, and eventually got to the point where I couldn't wait to go to your class every after lunch. And during lunch, and on Saturdays, and after school study groups. You pushed me harder than I have ever been pushed, but it was worth every sleepless night, and every stressful day. Thank you for everything. And I'm sorry I didn't have a clearly defined thesis, I'll try to do better next time. -Bill Simmons

Salvador Navarro

September 23, 2004

Mr. Harris,

Thank you for making me who I am today. Thank you for giving me the confidence to be successful at anything I try. Thank you for believing in me to pass the AP test when no one thought I could do it. Thank you for letting me be your T. A., it was a blast to be in your class and not have to do so much work!! I would hope that any person in this world could have someone who impacts their life like you did for me. I never got to tell you, but on friday 9-17 I declared my major as History at CSUS. Just like you always wanted me to. I finally did it. I am going to law school. Who knows, maybe after 20 years of being a lawyer we can meet up back in A-6 to teach some AP US History at San Juan High. I'll never forget you and i'll never be able to thank you enough for what you have done for me. We'll see you on the other side. Me, Duane, Fry, Smithers, Adell, the Nancys and everyone From AP 2002. Have a nice rest because we will rock out when we see you! GO KINGS!

Very Sincerely,

Salvador Carlos Navarro

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results