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Richard Davis "Dick" Harris
Richard Davis "Dick" Harris
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Richard Harris Obituary
He is the son of Grant Gregg and Ruth (Roy) Harris, and was born on the family farm west of Oakland, on November 19, 1923. Dick attended school in Oakland, graduating with the class of 1942. While in high school, Dick was active in sports and was named first team all state in football, basketball, and baseball his senior year. After graduating, Dick attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo. He then worked on the family farm until he was drafted in early 1945. Dick did his basic training at Fort Riley, Kan., and was part of the First Armored Calvary Division. After being honorably discharged in 1947, he returned to Oakland.
On August 3, 1947, he was united in marriage to Janice Glass at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Dick then attended school at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Neb., where he received his degree in physical education, science and coaching. Dick returned to Oakland, where he taught, coached, became the athletic director, and was involved in many community activities. Dick remained in Oakland until the time of his death. He was a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of the Knights of Pythias, and a 50 year member of ARK Lodge #335 A.F. & A.M. Dick received many professional awards and honors during his life.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Francesca and Maxine V. Harris; and his brother, Grant LeRoy Harris.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice G. Harris, of Oakland, Iowa; his sons, R. Dana Harris, of Oakland, Scott D. Harris, of Des Moines, Iowa, Harlan G. Harris, of Oakland, and Jan Harris and wife, Susan, of Hamburg; his grandchildren, Dustin Harris and wife, Mary, of Oakland, Ashley Harris, of Hancock, Shelbie Harris, of Oakland, Dr. Caitlin Harris, of Dayton, Ohio, 1st Lt. Colin Harris and wife, Betsy, of Fort Hood, Texas, G.G. Harris, of Creston, R.J. Harris and Claire Harris, of Hamburg; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Harris, of Oakland. Dick is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Oakland United Methodist Church on Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., at the Oakland United Methodist Church in Oakland. A private family Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland. Memorials may be donated to a new Riverside football field sprinkler system or the Oakland United Methodist Church.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charlie Case
January 12, 2010
Athletics is the source of pride for the small towns in Iowa, and Coach Harris was the face of Oakland athletics. My love for sports was born with Coach and continues to this day. He was not only my coach, but the father of my classmate and friend. I remember the exciting double solitaire games with Janice when I came back from college to visit. I always felt welcome in their home. Coach will be fondly remembered.
Steve Swenson
January 12, 2010
I'm not sure how one defines an "ICON", but I'm positive Coach Harris is one!
I was fortunate in that I grew up across the street from coach and the Harris family. I spent as much time at the Harris house as I did my own. The memories are endless.
Thanks Coach! A big final "SAY - WHAT" cheer from the bottom of my heart.
All my love to the Harris family.
AHST CSD
January 11, 2010
AHST Community School sends its deep condolences to the Harris family,
As a neighboring school, AHST has had Dick Harris as a part of its history for many years and in many ways. The older school history included AHST repeatedly trying to earn back "D-J" in our football rivalry and trying to keep up with the outstanding coaching records of Dick Harris. The newer school history has brought us to many wrestling meets and basketball games played in the Harris gymnasium. And of course, no one will forget the many meetings we've had with the Riverside AD. Dick Harris' love for Riverside School and for the students was always evident througout these years. AHST itself has been a better school because of the very positive influence of Coach Dick Harris.
Amber VanVoorst Tiarks
January 10, 2010
My sympathies to your family and friends. Mr. Harris made his unforgettable mark on so many young lives. He was the only teacher during my school days from whom I received detention! (For writing on a table in the science room and my "time served" was cleaning ALL the tables!) I will remember him fondly.
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Robin Taylor Honadel
January 9, 2010
My prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Harris family. Mr. Harris was one of my favorite teachers. He will be missed by all.
January 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doug Brandes
January 9, 2010
Dear Janice, Dana, Scott, Harlan and Jan:
I was in Oakland for two days in September. I had a little unexpected free time and went to look up Coach Harris. I had a good visit with him and you, Janice. We talked about old time sports in Oakland and our extended families. I know God's hand played a part in allowing me that free time.
It's funny, but I never could call him Dick even when I was nearly 60 years old myself. His first name truly is "Coach". He's always been and always will be Coach Harris to me.
Some people will remember him for his 80% winning percentage in football, or the 70% win rate in basketball. But anyone who truly knew him will remember the 100% success rate he had in caring for, encouraging and inspiring his players and students.
Coach will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Kenneth Fain
January 8, 2010
To Janice and family, My heart is sad with the loss of Coach. He meant so much to so many people. I know my life was better because of his friendship, encouragement and belief in his boys. I am thankful that he was able to read the novel I dedicated to him and he will forever be with me in my heart. It is because of Coach and his encouragement and belief in me that my book was ever written.
Shirley Kolby Kates
January 7, 2010
Janice and family,
I was one of the five Kolby girls who was fortunate to have the wonderful Coach Harris as a science teacher. I feel Oakland has lost another of its legends with his passing. How fondly I remember his overall kindness in school. In lab the day we were to dissect the frogs, I could not bring myself to cut into a living creature but was assured by Coach that anyone who did not would receive a failing grade. Nevertheless, I couldn't do it and when tears formed in my eyes, I noted that his eyes too were watery. He excused me and when report cards came out, there was no sign of any failing grade. Such understanding kindness from a wonderful man!!
Kelly Stortenbecker
January 7, 2010
It was a pleasure taking care of Dick. My thoughts are with you Janice and your family.
January 7, 2010
Mr Harris was a great teacher and monitor for all that had a chance to meet him.
I grew up spending a lot of time at there home in my younger days.
Then as I grew older I had the chance to be in his Science class. He was my favorite teacher's in school. He always had his way of making the time in his class fun and enjoyable.
We will all miss you COACH!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bill Brown
January 6, 2010
Dear Janice and boys. It has been a lot of years since I have had any contact with you. I think the last time was at an alumni banquet. Was really sorry to hear that Dick was gone. I would have liked to talked to him one last time. I believe if my mom could shed a tear for him she would, but sadly she doesn't remember to much these days..God bless you all and confort you in the days ahead.
Bill Brown
Jeff Hacker
January 6, 2010
Thank you for sharing the gift of your husband/father/grandfather with the rest of us. I'm certain it wasn't easy on any of you having Mr. Harris up at the school most nights of the week. My life is better having known Mr. Harris. He is one of the many great teachers that I had at Oakland and inspired me to become a high school science teacher. I talk about him a couple of times each year with my classes, he will not soon be forgotten by myself or any of the hundreds and hundreds of young people's lives that he had an impact on. Thank you.
Kathy Hummel Dalton
January 6, 2010
May God comfort you in your loss. Coach Harris was a caring man with a great smile.
Chris and Amy Johnson
January 6, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Words can not express the gratitude and respect we both have for Coach. His way of life is what the world needs more of, he will be missed.
Val Eschenbacher-Bloy
January 6, 2010
Harris Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mr. Harris taught us all so much..yes, all those science experiments and sports drills. Most importantly he taught us "Life Skills." He led by example, always encouraging you to do your best. I'll always remember that great smile on his face. You knew he really cared about his students and loved what he did. He will be deeply missed. I am grateful that there was a Mr.Harris in my life.
Teresa Fahrenkrug
January 6, 2010
To the family of Dick Harris, I send my thoughts and prayers to all of you. I enjoyed visiting with Dick on a couple of occasion and will miss seeing him up at the field watching the games. I am sorry not to have done this in person, but had other obligations. Again, my thoughts and prayers go to you today and forward.
Sherry (Wilson)
January 6, 2010
Mr Harris was my Jr High Science teacher. He was strict but gentle and always cared about his students.Even though my family moved out of state after Jr. High I visited Oakland now and then. I was very fortunate to visit with my old Jr High School teacher this past September at the bank dinner before Homecoming. I first apologized for be so ornery. Mr Harris said "you were just having fun and I'm glad you did" (I felt forgiven)
Then I asked him how he could look the same as he did 35 years ago? He quickly replied " a lot of formaldehyde" What a wonderful man clear up to the end.To the Harris Family you have my sympathy. You can take pride in your husband/father/grandfather knowing he lived an honorable life and made many people smarter, stronger and happier because of the life he lived.
john van eps
January 6, 2010
To the Harris family, my heart grieves for our loss but I feel great pride and thankfulness for having been associated with Dick. His name was really "Coach" and that is the way we "boys" will always remember him. Coach was a friend, mentor and a shining example of how to live your life. You may not have known it, but my life was shaped by his continuing inspiration. He was a second father to all of us.
Riding on the bus to our athletic events with the Harris family will always be one of my fondest memories.
Rich and Joyce Williams
January 5, 2010
Our gentle thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. He has touched all of our family's lives in some special way through all of these years that we have known him.
Joe Thomas
January 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go with the Harris family at this time of their loss. I especially enjoyed teasing Coach when I came back to Oakland.
Terrence Kullbom
January 5, 2010
When I think of my high school days at Oakland, the first thing I think of is Dick Harris. He was a wonderful coach and teacher. He was always so thoughtful and kind to my folks in their later years and did special things for other members of my family. He will always have a special place in my heart.
LuEllen Littleton
January 5, 2010
Dear Janice and boys. A wonderful human being left us. He provided so many memories for me. I know he showed my parents a great deal of respect and helpfulness as they aged. Janice, we spent many hours at the piano and I am sure there were times Dick would have liked us to stop. May you be comforted knowing that we pray for you and your families at the time of your loss. Love. LuEllen Littleton
Russ Brandes
January 5, 2010
Coach inspired many and was a friend to all. Goodbye Coach.
Mark Axland
January 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. I have lots of good memories of him. Coach Harris was a great coach and a great guy!
January 5, 2010
Like all great teachers and coaches, Coach Harris taught all much more than the skills of the games. He taught us all respect, loyalty, friendship and honesty. He did this with great enthusiasm and humor. You always knew that he cared about each person he met. God bless him and best wishes for his family.
Keith Dennis
Donnie and Jeannie Bates
January 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Many fond memories of Dick at all of the sporting events through out the years. He was always called Coach and never Mr. Harris. What a legend his memories will carry on! Donnie and Jeannie Bates
Kathy Phillips
January 5, 2010
Dear Harris family,
You are all in my prayers at this sad time. I have so many fond memories that will always be with me from growing up on Pullen ave. I remember all the fun birthday parties you had for your boys. You helped raise the rest of us kids on the street too.
Love and Sympathy,
Kathy Vieth Phillips
Janice and Ron Elliott (Volkens)
January 5, 2010
When you think of Oakland and athletics, you think of Coach Harris! We were always on opposite teams (high school at Carson) and (teachers at Tri-Center) but he was always so friendly and a great person and Ron remembers how intense he was as a young coach.
May your family find God's comfort during this difficult time.
William Thompson
January 5, 2010
For many of us, Dick Harris was the only coach we had in high school. He set a standard of high expectation for Yellowjacket athletics. He helped to shape the culture of Oakland because of his work at the school. He will certainly be missed. His kind does not come along very often. I consider myself lucky to have had him as my Coach.
Cindi Williams
January 5, 2010
"The wonderful and magical memories he created for so many of us will live in our hearts forever . . . . thank you, Coach Harris."
Randy Lamer
January 5, 2010
Coach Harris genuinely cared about every student that he coached and taught with fareness and a smile.
January 5, 2010
Coach Harris was a man of conviction who used his considerable talents to shape, mold, and guide others. He left an indelible mark and I will miss him greatly. Andy Bingham
Mick O'Brien
January 5, 2010
Harris Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am deeply grateful for having known Dick as a great leader and father. His understanding and kind nature were inspirational to many, many people besides me. May you take comfort in your memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Hartje
January 4, 2010
Coach Harris was the ultimate high school coach. Not many have been as successful a coach as Dick Harris. His imprint on students and the community at large will be felt for years to come. His loss signals the end of an era.
Bonnie Urbanek
January 4, 2010
Mr. Harris was an inspiration to so many of us. He is someone I will never forget.
I was always smaller than everyone else, and got picked on a lot (Right, Jan?), my Mom mentioned something to him at parent teacher conferences and the teasing suddenly stopped. I was at a loss as to what happened. It says a lot that those onery boys were too afraid of Mr. Harris to tease me!
Every time I saw him around town it was "how are you doing gal?" and you knew he was genuinely interested in what you had to say.
Take care of each other during this sad, sad time.
Bill Fead
January 4, 2010
Thanks for your Military Service.
Past Commander V.F.W.
Susan Davis-Jensen
January 4, 2010
Coach Harris was always a great motivator to all the students in Oakland. I have very fond memories of my years at Oakland and send my sincere condolences to the family and the community of Oakland. My prayers will be wth the family and his many friends.
Terry/Della Weisbeck
January 4, 2010
He was such an inspiration and role model for all the kids that went to Oakland/Riverside and the surrounding area. What a great man it was?
Linda
January 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends. The mark that Dick left on this world will last more then all of our life times. Peace be with you.
Steve & Barb Baier
January 4, 2010
SW Iowa has lost a legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, school, and community.
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