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Gil Harrison Obituary
Cottage Grove potter Gil Harrison followed his heartbeat to the great Marimba Dance in the sky on Jan. 20, 2013. He was 68. Gil never missed a beat, but the rest of us are left to figure out the dance of life without him.
Gil was well-known for his earthy, futuristic pottery glazed in deep hues of black with contrasting jewel-tone highlights. One of his ethereal vases was featured on the set of "Star Trek: Voyager" in 1997. His distinctive claywork was juried into numerous fine art festivals and exhibits from coast to coast. He was active in the Oregon Potters Association.
Gilbert Lloyd Harrison was born in New York City on July 15, 1944, to Charles and Gertrude (Zvaris) Harrison. Gil grew up in New York, but always felt like a country boy in the city. While attending Cornell University, he worked one summer on a fire supression crew in the Umpqua National Forest. That experience hooked him on Oregon. He graduated from Cornell in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in wildlife conservation and promptly moved to Eugene. He settled into his home in the countryside outside Cottage Grove in 1970.
Right away, Gil took ceramics classes at Maude Kerns Art Center in Eugene and discovered an infatuation with clay. He connected with many like-minded friends, becoming a founding member of the Eugene Craft Guild in 1969 and of the Saturday Market in 1970. He participated in every Oregon Country Fair, selling his pottery there for more than four decades. A key participant in the Fair's early years, Gil volunteered for the first Info Crew and served on the Fair Board in the 1970s and early 1980s. He also was the Fair's first Quartermaster at Main Camp.
He loved having fun at parties, and often showed up wearing wild, sequined "formal" attire in crazy colors. At art fairs, he wore bright jackets and shirts handmade by fellow Saturday Market and Fair crafters. His favorite hats said "Slightly Imperfect" and "I Make Stuff Up."
Gil played rugby and helped co-found Eugene's first rugby club. When he learned to play marimba, he became one of the original members of Shumba. He volunteered as a DJ for KLCC in the 1970s, hosting a jazz program at night.
Gil Harrison succeeded in living an artful life on his own terms - rich with friendships, fun, dancing, music and art. He is survived by his younger brother, Hugh, of Somerset, N.Y., and a legion of very good friends.
A Celebration of Gil's Life will be held March 9. For details, please rsvp to [email protected]. Memorial contributions may be made to Oregon Potters Association, noting for the Gil Harrison scholarship fund. Funds will benefit the Association's Clay in Education programs for grades K-12. Mail to OPA, 4614 SE Salmon St., Portland, Oregon 97215.
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gil Harrison
Sponsored by Friends.
Caryn Moen
April 6, 2023
Gil himself was a work of art. I miss him so much, and treasure the pieces I own that he worked with his own hands. The oatmeal colored mug and bowl with the big handles I bought from him in 1980 has a place of honor in my kitchen. The black and jewel colors of his yellow, blue and brick-red later works comfort me now that he's gone. I miss Perkins Creek Rd every day.
Kim and Pete Davidson-Ruby
February 4, 2022
We still miss you and think of you often. I love using my Gil bowl most nights when making salad for Pete and me. Lots of wonderful memories of you. Love.
Diana Taylor
October 17, 2021
Still missing you in 2021, Gil. You were such a talented, amazing and unusual man. I'll always thank you for letting me live in your yard that summer. Jon Davis thanks you for that loaf of bread you made him when he first moved to Cottage Grove. Maybe you are both together now.
Maravillas del Mundo "Wonders of the World" Gil, you were certainly a wonder in my world.
February 5, 2020
Hey Gil, we were just talking about you several days ago, about our former neighborhood up at the Oregon Country Fair on Upper River Loop. I will never forget your sequined silver Tuxedo and top hat at one of the Thursday evening Cocktail parties that Judy, Ray, you and other booth mates threw . . . . what magnificent times we shared! Wherever you are, whatever clay you have your hands in now -- I send you greetings and a big hug amigo! Your friend, Peter
Sylvia Fuerstenberg
November 22, 2017
We met him in 1989 in Seattle and had him make a custom set of dishes for our wedding that we still love and use. We added many special pieces over the years. We had just pulled down the dishware for Thanksgiving 2017 and looked him up and found his obituary. What a gift he left us all.
January 30, 2015
Thinking of you.
April 28, 2014
As we are getting ready to attend the annual Ceramic Showcase in Portland where we purchased several pieces of Gil's works over the years, we just learned of his passing. We were hoping to add to our collection. Now we feel honored and privileged to own many of his pieces. We will cherish them for ever. Thank you Gil for creating beautiful art. Peace. Bart Peterson & Aaron Wilson
January 22, 2014
Love and light always.
January 20, 2014
Thinking of you, remembering you with fond memories.
Linda Queen
April 16, 2013
Gil was always a wonderful presence at Spokane's ArtFest. We will miss having him at the show. Our sincere condolences to his many friends who I'm sure will miss him.
April 2, 2013
I only saw Gil at the pottery shows but always loved your work and finally purchased 5 of your things. It is with great sadness that I read of his death too soon, too soon. Ruth Spetter
Marilyn W.
March 20, 2013
Gil, you were my rock. When I fell ill, you always called to see how I was holding up and to make sure I never had to go to the doctor alone. When the fight in me was waning, you were there cheering me on. And when my energy was completely drained, you gave up your nights to curl up with me and watch movies into the wee hours of the morn. You were the most supportive, giving friend I had to the end. It's a lonely battle without you and you'll be in my heart forever.
Andy Rosenthal
March 15, 2013
"A Love Supreme" Gil, Rest In Peace
Susan Graham
March 12, 2013
I first met Gil at his home at Perkins Creek in 1975 and he was such a great spirit. I have followed him over the years and loved his work. I finally was able to purchase one of his large pieces that he displayed at a jewelery store downtown and it gives me such great memories when I look at it...he is missed and loved.
Gil Harrison balancing work and life, living with music and friends!
Peter Eberhardt
March 11, 2013
March 11, 2013. Your Will called for the Celebration we created in your honor Saturday afternoon March 9th. Wow. Kudana welcomed a couple hundred friends of yours into your forested yard Gil, so many warm hugs and greetings. Open sharing, potluck dinner, delicious surprises, more hugs, missing you brother, tales of Gil, pottery sale, SugarBeets sweet songs, Radar Angels sparkles and joy, candle and lantern lightings, the party went on deep into the night. Miss you deeply brother. Rest in peace.
Ilene English
March 10, 2013
Gil was such a good human being. He was one of those people you could count on to show up, rain or shine. Though I haven't seen him in a long time, it makes me sad to think of him being gone. How happy it would have made him to know how much he meant to people. It's a reminder to appreciate people out loud when they're in front of you!
Karen Boulton
March 6, 2013
Oh how glad we are to have enjoyed time with Gill at shows around the region. He always had a smile to share.
And how good he looks in that sparkly tux!
March 6, 2013
(left to right) Peter Eberhardt, Bear Pitts, Gil Harrison. For 33 years McKenzie Maps has faced Gil at the Country Fair! Joy!
Peter Eberhardt
March 6, 2013
Katie Gomez
March 3, 2013
I have fond memories of you when Saturday Market moved to the Park Blocks. Our booths were next to each other. Much wisdom and music flowed my way. I am so grateful to have known a little bit of you. Soar with the stars so I know my missing you only needs me to look up.
March 2, 2013
I didn't know you well, but you were one of those wonderful souls who touched everyone you met.
I was touched by your silly costumes, and will remain forever inspired by them - trying to figure out when not to take life too seriously.
Your many friends here will weep, but may you dance on.
PJ McCarthy
Parkdale OR
February 24, 2013
Gil , you will be missed. Especially at the Sunriver Art Faire.You and your beautiful pottery were a bright spot each year.
Teri Jendro and Pat Anderes Sunriver Art Faire
Susan Roden
February 23, 2013
Thank you Gil for sharing so much of yourself. Wish I had told you in person how much I appreciated you.
Dee Austin
February 23, 2013
I have never, nor will I ever again, know anyone like Gil.
Gil was many things to me from scary neighbor, crazy cat guy to a whimsical and beloved friend.
To many people on Perkins Creek, Gil was the “Jogger” with whom they enjoyed stopping for a chat.
I miss the “I'm on the road” cat calls I used to get and the late night lights in the studio.
Plain and simple, I miss you Gil. I hope you're enjoying the big Bread Club ; Saturday Market ; Craft Show in the sky.
Carolyn "Bean" King
February 18, 2013
Whistling Mitch called me in Minnesota to give me the sad news. I'm still not believing it. The Christmas note you sent me in early January was "all's well". I will miss you, dear Gil, and will treasure the friendship we had all these years. The angels are dancing! Love you, Pal!
February 17, 2013
Gil, we met on the closing of 13th Avenue, back in the late 60's. I've seen you often at street fairs, both in Eugene and Seattle. I LOVE it that I have at least one piece of your pottery in my home. I will miss you very much for the rest of my life. Such a good-hearted and upbeat individual. Thanks for the insights. Dee Hayward
Sky Kelley
February 15, 2013
One of the first people I met when I moved to Eugene in the '70's, I will miss him.
Ira Frankel
February 15, 2013
I'll have little trouble remembering you, old friend, as I will continue eating off your pottery every day. I will miss your Eugene updates from when you would visit Portland, though. May your shadow never be less...
Mark Heimann
February 15, 2013
Gil, we had some great and crazy times on the road, at shows, and at NCECA. Keep on truckin', pard. Wherever you are will be "slightly imperfect" and definitely more colorful.
Doug Moore
February 14, 2013
Kind, gentle soul that was always ready to embrace the world around him.Never at a loss for words when they were needed but new when silence was golden. A spicey retort was seldom anticipated but seldom missed its mark. I will cherish your memory in the heart of my soul. Be at peace dear friend.
Kim Davidson-Ruby
February 13, 2013
Gil, I too will miss visiting you at the OCF, Saturday markets, and the holiday markets. I will miss your hug, warmth, and friendship. My Louisiana family remember you with love.
Larry Avery
February 12, 2013
I am humbled by how sweetly Gil lived his life. I feel like he's waiting to say "hi" again at that big craft fair in the sky
Jan Maraire
February 12, 2013
Thanks Gil for the memories. It's been ages but I remember well: our first marimba band Shumba back-in-the-day, your wood fire in your cozy house in the woods, sharing a booth those years at the Country Fair and your warm and loving friendship. Hoped I'd see you again in this lifetime...
Mary Wagner
February 11, 2013
It will not be Eugene without Gil. He was a friend to everyone he met and contributed to our large village with an open heart and friendly smile. We will miss you, dear friend.
Dave Ulrich
February 11, 2013
I will miss you dearly, my friend...especially visiting with you at your Country Fair and Christmas Fair booths. It just ain't gonna be the same without ya, Gilbert. May you rest in peace.
Laurie Childers
February 11, 2013
Blessings on the rest of your journey, Gil, whatever that may be. You brought lightness and joy to people in two creative organizations also dear to my heart, and I am glad that our paths crossed as often as they did.
Cheryl Weese
February 11, 2013
So sorry. It feels like a spot has been taken away from us. I will really miss him. Glad to hear all he contributed to pottery.
Ann Huntington-Smith
February 11, 2013
Gil was very talented, with a good sense of humor and sharp intelligence. He liked people, was very outgoing and always had something interesting to say. I will miss seeing him especially at Kalapua Bookstore's weekly breadclub. Peace be with you Gil.
Karen Rycheck
February 11, 2013
Gil-thanks for remembering my "over the hill" birthday! I'll remember your over the hill walk as well with saddness that I didn't have a chance to know more of you. You were obviously a very special light in this world-and will continue to shine in our hearts.
Holiday Market in the nineties.
Nancy Barry
February 11, 2013
Happy trails Gil! I'm going to really miss seeing you. We all really love you.All those years of being neighbors at market, caravaning to shows, OCF, Holiday Market. You will be missed by so many. I know you're in a good place!
Holly Mills
February 11, 2013
In 1970 I left California to move to Eugene. I called the Switchboard in the Mission district of S.F. to get a ride. That was how I met Gil. It turned out he knew my friends in Eugene.
Oregon Country Fair
February 11, 2013
The Oregon Country Fair will greatly miss our family member, Gil Harrison.
Deb & Larry Nelson
February 11, 2013
We were just getting to know Gil better when he was taken from us. We'll miss you.
Tracie Manso
February 10, 2013
Gil, you were instrumental and inspiring in getting me on the path of becoming a professional potter. I owe much to you! I will miss running into you at all the art fairs! Onward to your next great adventure. I will always remember you!
Cindy k
February 10, 2013
I think of you with a smile every time I use my coffee mug, I will continue to but with a touch of sadness.
Nancy Lashley
February 10, 2013
We loved you, Gil - you were a true, great friend. Thank you for joining us at Thanksgiving and for tolerating us at the Holiday Market. You are missed.
Sylvia Long-Cochran
February 10, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
ruby bauske
February 10, 2013
What a wonderful man. A true mensch. Gill inspired me to dance and love life. I will feel him every time I walk up to the 'top of the figure eight' at the Country Fair. Aloha my friend!
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