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Richard Harriss Obituary
LT. JG. RICHARD (DICK) HARRISS
Jan. 1, 1943 - May 15, 2011
Lt. JG. Richard (Dick) Earl Harriss was born on January 1, 1943 in the Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Elaine Harriss, and sister Kay Lynn Harriss Machet. He attended elementary school in Brawley, CA and graduated from Brawley Union High School with 200 classmates from the class of 1960. After high school he attended Cal Poly Pomona College and then entered the Naval Military Academy in Pensacola, Florida. He became a Naval Aviator, where he served in the Navy from 1964-1969. He was attached to the VA 163 Attack Squadron where he earned the nickname "Grease" for his slick flying ability, and flew over 206 Combat Missions over Vietnam. During his Naval Career he was awarded two distinguished Flying Crosses, several Navy Accommodation Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. Following his Military career, he was a Corporate Pilot in the Imperial Valley for many distinguished clients. Prior to moving to San Diego, CA. he was employed by Border Valley Pressing. Richard was known by many as a true gentleman and a scholar. He did not know a stranger, and loved special gatherings with his family and friends. He enjoyed being a member of the Imperial Valley Rustlers Association; Honorary Blue Angels; Tail Hook Association; USS Midway Museum and the River Rats. He was a devoted member of the North Coast Presbyterian Church in Encinitas, CA.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Harriss of San Diego, CA; daughter, Lori Lynn Harriss of Los Angeles, CA; step-daughter, Janet Stills (Kenny, Audrey, Timothy) of Brawley, CA; nephew, Matthew Machet of Santa Maria, CA; niece, Amy Sothern (Eric, Phoebe, Alexander) of Napa, CA; aunt, Catherine Harriss Albert of Colorado.
Graveside services will commence at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. at North Coast Presbyterian Church, 1831 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024.
In lieu of flowers family suggests contributions be made to North Coast Presbyterian Church, 1831 S. El Camino Real in Encinitas, CA 92024 or the Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Harriss
Louise Christopher
May 16, 2022
Missing my dear friend on this day, the anniversary of his passing.
Many fond memories of special friendships
Louise Christopher
May 16, 2020
missing this wonderful friend ! my sympathy to his beautiful wife and my best friend !
Louise Christopher
May 16, 2019
remembering Richard with fondness, He and his beautiful wife Suzanne were and are treasured friends.
June 8, 2011
Sue:
What a shock? I just heard about Dickie and wanted to tell you how sorry I am. You two have a wonderful love story about small town Brawley kids. So glad that you two found each other again after all those years.
Your old friend from Whitter, Barbara Worth, and BUHS.
Jane House Samaniego, (El Dorado Hills, CA)
Douglas Shields
June 2, 2011
Sue,
I'm stunned and saddened to learn of Richard's passing. What a wonderful, funny, and humble man. I feel privileged having spent many summers working with Richard at Del Mar. I'll truly miss him, as I know all who have known him will.
Sheryl Wolf-Garcia
May 31, 2011
Sue,
My prayers are with you.
Hugs,
Sheryl
John Hays
May 30, 2011
I served with Richard in VSF-3 aboard Intrepid in 1967. My condolences to his family.
Soft and safe be your resting place...
May 28, 2011
We wish to extend our sympathies to your entire family, on the passing of Richard. Kenneth was in the Rustler's and has known him since the 60's, I met Richard in the mid 70's. Always a big greeting and smile.
God Bless you in the loss of your loved one.
Kenneth & Sandra Plunkett
Jim Gottfried
May 27, 2011
We at NCPC loved Dick and that is especially true for those of us in his small home group. At one of our dinner's Dick put out some "Mountain Oysters". He had a good time getting everyone to try them without directly telling us what it was. We all had such a good time at our home group dinners. We will truly miss Dick and his big smile.
Huey L'Herault
May 24, 2011
We cheated death early, we served our country with honor and we shared the unique brotherhood of Naval Aviators. Sleep in peace my squadronmate and friend.
Louise Christopher
May 24, 2011
My Dear friend, please know that not a moment passes that I don't think of you. I hold you in my heart and in my prayers ! you and Dick have been wonderful friends ! I will never forget the wonderful times with the 2 of you !
thomas fast
May 24, 2011
I didnt meet Uncle Dick, but felt I knew him from the stories his nephew Mat told me. From one sailor to another- Fare Winds and Following Seas. You will be missed by all. May have been in Heaven a 1/2 hr before the devil knew you were dead. God Bless your lovely wife and family.
Doni & John Soukup
May 24, 2011
Sue and Family, Dickie will be missed but never forgotten. We shared some many good times with him in our "Brawley" days. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Roger Puryear
May 23, 2011
Sue, Janet and family. Knowing Richard most of our lives. We shared some great moments together, Flying around the countrysides and sharing good times together. As Sailors we shared a common interest in life. We both served on board the "USS INTREPID CVA-11" I was aboard her 1960-1962 as ships company. Richard Squadron was aboard her on her two deployments to Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Judy and I will miss him dearly.
Roger Puryear
May 23, 2011
SUE I WISH TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS, MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN GODS HAND REACHING OUT TO YOU IN THIS TIME OF PAIN & SORROW.
Margaret Lyon Beech
“Class of BUHS 1960”
Heidi Short
May 23, 2011
My prayers are with you, Sue, that our Lord will bless you with strength and peace. We will miss him, but I take comfort in knowing with certainty that we will see Richard again and have an eternity to catch up and share stories!
Bette Reyes
May 23, 2011
I wish I would of told Dickie how much he meant to me as a young 11 year old girl & now in my late 60's. Dickie taught me how to use the stick shift in his car when I was 15. He would call me every day after school in junior high when I got home. Guess where he was watching from...he was sitting in aviator tower on the end of North Rio Vista.He was preparing for being a pilot & serving our country U.S.A. Thank you Dickie for being a wonderful friend to me & Eddie. The good times will be treasured for our lifetime.I will be see you again when my journey here on earth is finished. With Love, Bette & Family
May 23, 2011
Dear Sue and family,
You should assume a great deal of pride in your support of shipmate Richard Harriss of Attack Squadron One Sixty Three. It was my fortune to be the first Operations Officer of the newly formed Air Group Sixteen in Florida. Later, I was assigned as the second Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of VA-163. Although it was not my privilege to serve with Richard, I am sure he became a proud member of the squadron as it grew and made significant Naval history.
SAINTS Forever!
M. D. Short, Former Commanding Officer
Monteen Solberg
May 23, 2011
Sue, Janet and Family,
May your tender heart be resting in comfort as you miss Richard. My prayers and thoughts go out to you my friend.
Nancy French
May 23, 2011
Sue,
Randy and I remember Richard's funny jokes. He is being cared for by the Lord. You are cared for by all of your friends at NCPC, until you are both joined once again with God. Love, Randy and Nancy French
May 23, 2011
SUE AND FAMILY, I WAS SO SHOCKED TO HEAR OF DICKS PASSING, OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY. GENE AND VICKIE FOSTER
Donna Engler
May 23, 2011
Richard, we will miss you so much! Suzanne, as you know, we will always be close friends--whether here or with Jesus. May our Lord's peace continue to surround you. Love always, Donna
Paula Mulford
May 23, 2011
Dear Darling Sue,
I have just reread Richard's obituary for the third time and am struck by his amazing courage and patriotism! I loved his nickname "Grease." He was so humble for all his incredible accomplishments and service to this great country. I know his service in Brawley and all the tributes to him will be amazing. Sending love and blessings to you right now. xoxo
Trudie Millerburg
May 23, 2011
Sue, We have spent a lifetime together and learned that loss and gain are two sides of the same coin. I grieve your loss and watch for God's gift of insight and gain. It will come, I promise. I love you, God loves you. Be strong and take care of yourself. Trudie
Bill Tomko
May 23, 2011
Dear Sue and family,I am so sorry and saddened about the loss of Dick. I feel priviledged and honored to have known Dick over the last few years at the Saints Reunion and Dick's willingness to bring the Saints together for one in San Diego last year.Dick was one of the Saints pilots we enlisted crew considered such brave and good men who were looked up to as one of our hero's during the missions in Vietnam and serving his nation. I am sure the Good Lord will have a special place in Heaven for Dick and all the Saints already there are welcoming him Home. May Jesus Bless and Heal the whole in your and our hearts that we all feel at this time of loss. We are all better for having know Grease. With Love,respect and Deepest Sympathy. Bill Tomko
Dixie Davidson
May 23, 2011
Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you always feel his loving presence with you during this difficult time. Take care and remember you're loved.
Marietta Gilway
May 22, 2011
Matt, I am sorry to here of Uncle Dick's passing. He was such a character to have known through my e-mails and phone calls. Your time in Irac meant so much to him, as to all of us. LOL to You and your family always, Marietta
Leigh Ryder-Leaming
May 22, 2011
Dear Sue and family,
I have no words...this is such a shock and such a loss. I am praying that time will help lessen the wound from this sorrow.
May 22, 2011
Sue and family,
I was so sorry to hear about our friend Dick.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during
this difficult time.
Linda Burns, Murrieta, CA
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