George Christian Harris MD
March 29, 1939 - August 24, 2014
Obituary
George Christian (Chris) Harris died peacefully at his home Sunday morning, August 24, 2014. He was 75 years old and leaves behind his beloved wife of 30 years, Renae Harris; daughters, Laura King (Don), Lisa Harris and Amy Harris; sons, Matt Harris and Rick Harris (Aemi Kim); grandchildren, Madeleine, Brennan, Dylan, Garrett, Beaujais and Fletcher; sister, Mary McEachern; brother, Abbott Harris; four nieces and a nephew. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 732 18th Avenue E., Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: themmrf.org, 383 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851, (203)229.0464. We welcome you to sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Chris was born in Seattle, March 29, 1939, to Lowell and Venice Harris. A bright student, he was also a child prodigy, learning piano and violin at age 4 and 5, respectively. As a youth Chris was educated in international schools as his father, an engineer, was employed by various oil companies, bringing his family with him to the Persian Gulf, London, New York and then back to Seattle. Throughout his education Chris continued his musical studies, and performed on the piano and violin with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and was concertmaster of the junior symphony in Seattle.
He attended St. Martin’s College (in Lacey, Washington) and, after 3 years, entered medical school, graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1962 at the age of 23. Married in 1960, he and his first wife, Louise, had 5 children: Laura, Lisa, Matt, Amy and Rick. Following graduation from medical school Chris and his family returned to Seattle where he completed his internship at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle and then commenced his tour with the Army where he served as U.S. Army Brigade Surgeon at Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska. Following his service, he and his family returned to Seattle where he concluded a three year residency at the V.A. and University of Washington hospitals. He began his private practice of psychiatry in January of 1969 and remained active in this and in forensic psychiatry up until his death.
A Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, he also specialized in forensic psychiatry and consulted in a number of high profile criminal prosecutions. He was a founding member of the Seattle Forensic Institute.
Chris continued with his music, playing violin with piano accompaniment, violin in string quartets and other chamber music ensembles, and playing piano in several “cottage” recitals and fund-raisers for musical and medical organizations.
Chris became impassioned with food preparation and the entire world of cooking and cuisine, developing many original recipes and sharing with others in gourmet cooking. He and his wife, Renae enjoyed their professional lives together, and in particular liked visiting with family and friends as well as frequent travel. Although both he and Renae were all but inseparable, Chris still managed to carve out time for himself to go fishing, watch boxing (which Renae abhorred), and read, read, read. All in all, Chris felt that he lived a charmed and blessed life. He passionately rebelled at injustices and hypocrisy. He remembered those who had preceded him in death, and often talked of them and prayed for them. He and Renae ask that you remember him now.
We miss Dr. Harris. and send our condolences to his family. He was a man of integrity and compassion and we will always remember him.
My thoughts and prayers are with my cousins and with Renae. I will miss Uncle Chris!!!
The memories I hold of our days at Saint Martins and thereafter will forever be in my heart.Chris was a true friend and valuable member of society. We will miss him and be thinking of the family.
Chris and I were psychiatric residents together and friends. I will remember Chris for his humor, intellect, and great musical ability. It was always a pleasure to be in his company.
I am so sorry I was not able to attend the funeral. My message was reworded a bit and they spelled your name wrong. I will write to you and your family. Bonnie Swanson
What a remarkable and well-lived life!
Chris and I were fellow residents and he always seemed to do many things, all with a sense of ease and competence. I will never forget our visits to the Northlake Tavern where Chris earned our pizzas by playing the piano!
A good man and a great loss. Bon Voyage Chris
It was an honor to know and work with such a compassionate physician and colleague. I am heartbroken.
I started seeing Chris in 1969 and was still seeing him up until his retirement. I loved him like a father. Chris was brilliant, funny, and caring. I will miss him more than anyone will know. I owe Chris my life. Bon voyage my dear friend.
Dr. Harris changed my life. I am blessed that he was brought into my life almost 10 years ago. He was a wonderful doctor, a great person and I will never forget him. I am here today because of him, his patience and his great help.
I miss him but I will always have great and fond memories of him.
God bless him.
I first met Chris as a friend of PI reporter, Mike Conant. They were St Martin’s school mates. A fascinating man, I would become a critical personal and professional teammate to him as a lawyer and he would be the same.e for me as a psychiatrist. I’m only sorry I did not get to know Renae.