Ralph Eugene Harris

Ralph Eugene Harris, 73, of Paradise, California passed away peacefully on February 10, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on February 10, 1944 to Ralph and Rose Harris and was raised with his sister, Elsie, in Jerome, Idaho where he spent an idyllic childhood. He joined the Navy in 1961 and served in the Vietnam War on the USS Ranger. After he finished his service he moved to San Francisco and began a lifelong career as a stationary engineer for Bechtel Corporation. It was in the city that he met the love of his life, Patricia, and relentlessly pursued her until she finally conceded to be his wife. They were married in Jerome on July 4, 1967. He cried tears of joy on their wedding day and again when attending the birth of their daughter, Stacie, in 1969. They raised Stacie in Fremont, California and spent many enjoyable times with neighbors and friends there and elsewhere - people were never a stranger for long. They also enjoyed doing woodworking together, riding motorcycles, traveling in their "roller-home", and many home improvement projects. Their lives and hearts expanded as they welcomed grandchildren into their family. Ralph was known for his generous heart, easy-going nature, sense of  humor (even when he was the punch line), and genuine interest in the lives of his grandkids and their families. When he retired they moved to Paradise and designed and built a beautiful home and spent many happy years traveling, visiting friends and extended family, and enjoying what he loved the best - spending time with his bride. He was resilient and brave in the face of the undiagnosable neuromuscular illness that eventually took his life. Though he will be sorely  missed by his family and friends we wish for him a joyful reunion with his mom, dad, siblings, and friends that he has deeply missed. We are grateful for the care of family and friends during these last several years and for the help of Feather River Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Undiagnosed Disease Network-Neuromuscular Disorders Program of Stanford University. A private service will be held for him in Jeome, Idaho.

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