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William Harris Obituary
Bill graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1957 and later Central Washington State College with a degree in business. As a junior in high school (1956), he was awarded the State Farmer Degree from the Future Farmers of America. He was one of only two students selected for this honor from CEHS during his high school years.
He married Joyce Harmer in 1959. They relocated to Snoqualmie, Washington where he worked at Weyerhaeuser as a Sales Manager for 35 years.
Bill and Joyce had 3 children - Brenda (Steve) Hart of Kittitas, Dale (Julie) Harris of Mt. Vernon, and Donald (Julie) Harris of Snoqualmie.
Bill and Joyce were horse lovers and Bill was one of the original members of the Roslyn Riders. In addition to the Roslyn Riders arena, they traveled to various locations riding in playdays and parades. His horse, Deb, loved parades, and always put on a show for the crowd. Bill also raised thoroughbred racehorses for 20 years, partnering with Ben and Elwin Gibson, racing at several racetracks, mainly Longacres and Yakima Meadows.
Bill retired from Weyerhaeuser in 2002 and they moved back to Cle Elum where he continued farming on 80 acres that was the homestead of his aunt and uncle, Lyle and Alice (Newton) Piland on Lower Peoh Point.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Harris, his brother Larry Harris, and his sister, Bonnie (Dick) Filleau.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce, his 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
Memorials contributions are suggested to the Roslyn Riders, 70 Martin Rd., Roslyn, WA 98941
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Cle Elum with interment to follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Park.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Harris
Sponsored by Johnston & Williams Funeral Home & Crematory - Ellensburg.
5 Entries
Robert and Brenda Deeds
August 5, 2023
Dear Joyce and family members, we are very sorry for your loss. We were neighbors for 19 years. We affectionately called Bill, "Uncle Bill", as we know other Bills. :)) He was friendly and always had a smile.
The memorial today for "Uncle Bill" was very touching and warm. Glad we were able to leave our finger prints on his casket so they would go to Heaven with him forever... He will be missed.
Alice Davis
August 5, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful person, and I always looked forward to seeing both of you at our "57" reunions. He will be greatly missed.
Mia Mckelheer
August 4, 2023
Harris family I was so blessed for being able to spend the short time that I did with Bill I so enjoyed his stories about his racing days RIP BILL TELL NORM HI FOR ME ...And to joyce your in my thoughts & prayers and the rest of the family also..
Gene Hicks
July 30, 2023
Joyce, we were so sorry to hear about Billy. Remembering the times we stopped to visit on our way home from Roslyn on weekends - and our race horse days with the Gibsons. And of course, class of 57! Love from your childhood neighbor, Gene - and Linda
Jim and Carlene Pasin
July 25, 2023
To the Harris and Harmer Families:
Our sympathy and condolences.
Jim and Carlene Pasin
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