Robert Harrison

Robert Lee Harrison (Bob) had an incredible life story full of perseverance, determination and beating the odds. Born in Los Angeles, CA on May 24, 1937 to Floyd Harrison and Alice Grant, Bob was the oldest of his siblings Sallie (Miller) and Bill. Sadly, when Bob was only four years old, his father succumbed to pneumonia and his family moved to be closer to his grandparents. Growing up in the agricultural town of Gilroy, Bob enjoyed farm life, working in the fields, rebuilding cars and playing sports. Football became his passion and would ultimately set him on a path to success. After receiving numerous college scholarships, Bob chose to play football at Washington State University. After just one year in the cold, he moved back to Gilroy and attended Hartnell College and his 1958 football team, of which he was co-captain, still holds the winningest record in the college's history. He earned the coveted designation and was named an All-American player, was later drafted to the National Football League and became an original Oakland Raider in 1960. During these years, Bob also proudly served six years for the Army National Guard. Later in life, he was inducted into the Gilroy High School Hall of Fame in the year 2000 and the Hartnell College Hall of Fame in 2023.

After a career-ending knee injury, Bob left the football field and joined the corporate world working for Westinghouse. He soon met the love of his life, Susan Janet Asp, and the two married April 24, 1965. The couple raised their two children, Les and Jennifer (Hennessy), in the San Jose Bay Area. Bob was a dedicated and involved father spending quality family time as a boy scout leader, coaching baseball, softball and serving as president for the Almaden Bobby Sox Girls Softball League. In his free time, Bob enjoyed playing basketball, fishing, and running. Nicknamed the "Fat Flash," he spent numerous weekends running 6k's, 10k's, marathons and even a 50-mile ultra-marathon! Bob and his family enjoyed their weekends at Lake Camanche, fishing, waterskiing, and enjoying time with neighbors who became lifelong friends.

Bob's career grew from working in the shipyards, to working as a Government Contracts Negotiator, Operations Manager and ultimately a Business Manager for the aerospace company, ESL. In retirement, Bob and Sue moved to beautiful Lake Almanor, CA in 1994 and enjoyed mountain life on the lake. Spending their time fishing, traveling, serving as Treasurer at the Elks Lodge, the couple truly lived the retirement dream. Bob became more involved in his lifelong hobby of restoring classic cars and participated in car shows, hot rod cruises and organized car clubs. In 2005, the couple relocated to Chico, CA to be closer to their children and three grandchildren: Aliya, James, and Kelsey Hennessy. In addition to becoming active members of the Chevy Car Club, Bob and Sue were very involved in their grandchildren's lives and consistently supported them in their many school and sporting activities. When his daughter and grandchildren moved to Southern California, he and Sue followed and relocated to Menifee, CA in 2014 to help support Jennifer and her family. Bob joined the local car club, The Drifters, and continued attending car shows, winning awards and serving as a judge.

In November 2024, when caring for Sue, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease became too much, the two moved to an Assisted Living facility in Gilbert, AZ. Unfortunately, the move exacerbated Sue's condition and she passed January 13, 2025. Bob, his family and close friends lovingly celebrated her life just two weeks prior to his passing on April 4, 2025. He had said for years that his job was to care for Sue and that is why he was able to beat multiple cancer diagnoses, open-heart surgery, and stent procedures. And he did just that...loved and cared for Sue, until his heart gave out and he joined her once again.

For Bob, there was no challenge too great or achievement out of reach. He overcame childhood poverty, used his natural talents to excel in life, succeed in his career, enjoy retirement, and provide a life filled with great memories with all who knew and loved him. He was the quintessential patriarch and lived true to his core values of integrity, grit, resilience, and honesty and always put his family first. His impact on those who knew him will live on as we remember that huge grin, booming laugh and big hugs!!!