Kenneth Albert Harris, II

Kenneth Albert Harris II died unexpectedly on May 4th, 2016 in Visalia, California, at the age of 69. He was born on November 2nd, 1946 in Bedford, Indiana. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Albert and Evelyn Harris, his sisters Glenda and Rheadawn Harris, his brother Robert Harris, and his beloved son Kenneth Albert Harris III. The oldest of nine children in a military family, Ken grew up in several states as well as overseas in Japan. Ken loved his six children, Trishell, Kenny, Lisa, Debbie, Daniel and Crystal with all of his heart. He raised them to love fishing, hiking, camping and nature in all its’ beauty. He always treated his step-daughter Jessica as his own. Ken placed a high value on education. He received his teaching credential from Fresno State University in 1985 and went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Technology from Fresno Pacific University in 2002. Ken became a teacher through the belief and mentorship of another. After being injured in a motorcycle accident in 1978, he entered a vocational program. A trusted teacher suggested that Ken would make an excellent educator. Like his mentor, Ken inspired many of his students, including his daughter Crystal, to become teachers. Ken gave 30 years of his precious life to the art of teaching, spending his entire career at Mt. View Elementary school with sixth grade. He loved that age; “They were innocent but they knew how the world worked.” Ken knew how to have fun with his students. He held an annual Rock’ n Roll show for the entire student body which was the best part of his year. Many of his former students who are now adults remember it fondly. Ken brown-bagged his lunch every day and stayed in his classroom to eat with his students. Fridays were ice cream day for the kids and Ken’s favorite dessert. Ken was a true Raider’s fan and would give a homework pass to his students if the Raiders won that week. His students soon became fans as well. He believed the saying, “Win, lose or tie, Raider’s till I die.” Since 2002 he’s been saying, “Next year.” He was looking forward to the upcoming season. Ken had countless friends. However, there was a special bond with three in particular referred to as “The Bob Boys “(aka Band of Brothers). Over the past twenty years, they would meet faithfully, three times a week at Lifestyles, working out, sharing life events, and encouraging each other. They inspired one another in life, inside and outside of the gym. But it was Ken who was the "go- to guy" in the foursome, as mentor, adviser and the ultimate friend. Ken married his true love, Michelle, in 2001. At the time of his passing they had just celebrated 15 years of marriage. They loved to travel. Frequent trips to the central coast and the Sequoia’s were their favorite places to relax. They loved Maui and Kauai. Ken was born in the sign of water and loved to be near oceans, lakes and streams. He always said, “Let’s get out of town!” A highlight of his life was a trip to Texas to meet his many grand and great-grandchildren. Ken retired in 2014 and never looked back. He started a wood working hobby and even sold his creations at his first craft show with Michelle. He loved playing with his dogs and caring for his home,’ Harris Haven.’ Ken is survived by his wife Michelle, daughter Trishell Ferrell, late son Kenneth Albert Harris III, daughter Lisa Simmons, daughter Debbie Harris, son Daniel Harris and his wife Dixie, daughter Crystal Houston and her husband Blake, step-daughter Jessica Patty, sister Barbara Mason, sister Deborah Harris-LaBeef, brother Daniel Harris, brother Randall Harris and his wife Jan, sister Brenda Brown and her husband Don, his in-laws Bill and Anne Patty, and many beloved nieces and nephews and adored grand and great- grandchildren. Services for Ken will be held on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Visalia, California. A reception will immediately follow. Online tributes can be made at www.salseranddillard.com. Please consider a donation to the Ken Harris Student Scholarship fund at Mt. View Elementary School in Visalia, California. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Kenneth Albert Harris, II

November 2, 1946 - May 4, 2016