Robert Harris
August 4, 1936 - September 8, 2009
Obituary
Age 73, born August 4, 1936, in Melville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2009. ‘R.B.’ enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved a great home cooked meal; especially dessert. He was seldom gloomy and treasured the gift of life. He accepted his fate and didn’t complain. He aimed to make the best of any situation.
You could often hear his unmistakable voice from a mile away and couldn’t help but smile in anticipation. Always upbeat, he would greet you with a large grin and a firm handshake or if you were lucky, a huge bear hug. He would throw his head back and shout your name, or his version of it, to the sky, for all to hear. You had to chuckle. His laugh was contagious and his personality vibrant.
Although he gave up his drums years ago, he was a musician at heart. Music resonated in his soul. If a tune was playing it was a sure bet that he would begin to boogie, anytime, anywhere.
He was a dedicated worker and took great pride in his job. RB retired from the City of Seattle after many years of exemplary service. After retirement he traveled to visit relatives who lived far away. Oddly enough, his journeys often included excursions to Las Vegas. When home in Seattle he never tired of trying his luck at Muckleshoot Casino.
Surviving are his daughter, AngaLee Angel Alexander and husband, Shelton Alexander, of Lynnwood; children, Celeste, Robert and Paula Harris of Seattle; youngest son, Anthony, preceded him in death; grandsons, David, Jeremiah and Caley, sister Rose and brother Lawrence of Seattle and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Harris’ eldest brother, James Kimble and sister, Virda Mae Leverette, both preceded him in death along with his parents Abe and Golden Harris of Louisiana.
He was a devout Christian who was raised in a religious home. He was taught from the Bible beginning at a very young age and always had his Bible by his side up until his dying day. He was a wonderful, caring man who will be deeply missed by all that loved and knew him.
A Celebration of his life will be on Saturday, September 19, 2009
at 3:00 p.m. in SeaTac at Washington Memorial Park – Bonney-Watson
16445 International Blvd. International Blvd is also named Pacific Highway or 99 SeaTac, WA 98188. It is South of the airport. 206.242.1787
Military Honors and a reception will follow the Memorial Service.
I’m sorry I couldn’t make the service to honor Rocky. Rocky would often come to our family birthdays and gatherings over the years and was always such a fun and loving man to have with us to celebrate.
My deepest condolences, Wendy Tootsie’s niece
My condolences to the Harris Family. Many memories I have of Mr. Harris but one that stands out most is when he would drive his ole’ Jetson-like car, the American Pacer to work….and he was proud of it! Blessings to you Mr. Harris.
Dearest Robert, may you rest in peace as you reunite with your loving son Anthony and all the family and friends who preceeded you. Those of us who loved you will always keep a loving, warm, special place in our hearts just for you. We will all miss you, but are happy that we have so many precious memories to sustain us. We will love you for all time, Phyllis, Robert, Caley, Mom Joy Carol, Michael, Jessica, Alyssa and Dawn.
When Robert entered the room he brought a sense of joy & happiness with him and always treated everybody equal; He will be missed heart felt.
My prayers go out to the family
“Rocky” loved to go to the restrauant Three Men in a Tub” to have his daily Johnnie Walker Red Scotch. He would only have one and would go home. I worked there and that is where my husband and I met him, and we became very good friends. Rocky loved to go to the horse races. We would go to Long Acres for the last few races, a couple times a week, because it was free. I would always bet on the 7th horse in the 7th race no matter what, and he was always amazed how many time I would win. I cannot count the times Rocky would move into a new appartment, because they offered the first months rent free. He was always moving. Rocky loved to laugh, but he did not laugh out loud, but he was a knee slapper, when he heard something funny.
Rocky loved his chinese food at the Golden Peacock,and that was another place that we would go on our way home. I had a party for three of my friends birtdays. I hired a male stripper to entertain us girls. Rocky was the DJ for the event. When the male stripper was finished stripping, he kept on playing the stripper song over and over again, until the male stripper finally stopped dancing. That is the firt time we really got our monies worth from male stripper.
I have not seen Rocky for many years, but I will miss his smiling face and his wonderful, outrages sence of humor
I am sorry for your loss, he will alays be a memory in my heart. Sandra Clark
My prayers continue for his sister Rose, and extended family members. “RB’s” work will be remembered by many even if they did not know, how long and how nice the City greenery is since he worked with it.
May he Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Maria
there’s not much left for me to say, you’ve all said it. i can only ditto.
His laugh, and especially his wit cannot be equaled.
r.i.p. my bro-in-law.
you will be greatly missed.
When I knew Robert Harris he was known as Rocky and worked at NC Machinery. He was a dear friend and would stop by and say “Hi” to my girls, Angie and Brenda Stahl. We all loved his laugh,sense of humor, but mostly his stories. Lots of stories. I haven’t seen him for at least 13 or 14 years, but he was one of those friends you never forget. Whenever the Dallas Cowboys are playing I remembered how Rocky loved them. I am very sad he is no longer here for his kids. They were very important to him. I send my thoughts and prayers to his whole family. Goodbye my friend – Dolores Aldrich
I remember him as Rocky. He was a very sweet man who always had a smile on his face. I wish i could have thanked him for being such a great friend to my mother during her and my dads divorce. He was always there for her. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace Rocky! I will miss your great laughter.
The world has lost a wonderful man. I was very young when I knew Rocky, he was a very dear friend to my mother Dolores. He brought much happiness to our lives, and everyone he met. My heart aches for his family, and his children that he loved so much. Im sure that god has a special place for Rocky to spread his happiness.
Love to all!!!
All my prayers
Brenda Giacco Stahl
Bob was a great man was lucky enough to work with and get to know Bob> When I 1st went to S.E. grounds my dad said ‘ Is my buddy Bob Harris still there ? ” See my dad also worked for the parks and knew and worked with Bob back in the 70s along with my Brother Steve got to work with Bob. I always felt Bob was a true friend and always looked out for me as he was a very kind hearted and stand up man and I truly could call Bob a Friend. Bob toughed me allot about working for the parks I often quot him as he was also a very wise man in many ways. This world was a better place with Bob in it Your freind I will miss you Eric
Sending my love and sympathy to the family. May you all feel the hug of
peace and love from the Lord. May HE grant you, many loving memories; and may the memories lighten your load and bring a smile. Again my condolences, RB will be missed.
Our thoughts in prayers are with you in your time of loss.
I love you Dad,
Baby girl Paula
I miss you dad.
Love,
Angel
You will always be remembered.
Your son-in-law,
Shelton
Mr Harris, that is what we called Robert at work. He was a towering figure at Parks. I remember once figuring I was 5 years old when he started working there. He put in a very long time. He was there when it was not the forward thinking outfit it is now. Robert was there when racism was acceptable, ripe and outward. Robert was there when women first came onboard.
I always looked up to Robert, he helped me out when I became a new truck driver. Frequently, I’d find myself overwhelmed and out of my depth and I’d turn to Mr. Harris to help. He had so much experience to draw from, he always seemed to know what to do, and he always gave of his knowledge freely.
He was funny, outspoken, and he could be moody as well. Even when he was stricken with Parkinson’s disease he made a pun out of it. He told me, I work for the Parks so now I have Parkinson’s.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace Mr. Harris. Candi
My late grandmother Ruby Lee Lewis Williams was R.B.’s aunt as she was his mother’s sister. I can remember the few occassions where R.B. and uncle ED would visit us in Melville and there would be a lot of joy and laughter in the house. Though I don’t remember him very well, my heartfelt condolences goes out to the family as well as friends. This is from the family in Melville- The Williams’, Josie, Pearl, Willis, Chester Jr, Andrew, Mayrene, Raymond, and Darrell.