Richard Harris Obituary

Harris
Richard "Dick" William
Harris
May 9, 1934
August 5, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard William (Dick) Harris, who departed this life on August 5, 2024. Born at home on May 9,1934, in Osceola, Nebraska, Dick was the son of Philomena and William David Harris. He attended Corpus Christi Elementary and St. Mary's High School before enlisting in the Navy at age 17. He served in the Seabees during the Korean conflict.

After he returned home from the service, he traveled all over the country installing gas pipelines, missile silos, and eventually framing homes. He became a commercial contractor in Colorado Springs in the early '60's opening D-H Contracting, Inc. He had the opportunity to help construct NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain, had many construction projects at the Air Force Academy and at Fort Carson and he built Chapel Hills Plaza. He married Mary Lou Cline in April 1969. He had a stepdaughter, Tracy, and a son, Ski, from this marriage.

Dick savored life and was what many considered wild in his day. He wasn't afraid to take on any challenge and in doing so he raced dirt bikes, was involved in demolition derbies, water skied every free moment he had, bowled, and was an avid golfer. He also loved owning and riding Harleys, purchasing his first Harley when he returned to the States after serving overseas. He was artistically talented, enjoying leather tooling and painting. He also enjoyed working in his workshop. There wasn't anything he couldn't build or repair. His ultimate project was to design and build the home his family has enjoyed for many years. One of his favorite memories was going to Washington, DC in 2016 with Honor Flight of Southern Colorado to view the memorials and be honored for his military service.

In 1983, he married Barbara Van Fosson, adding a stepdaughter, Alissa and a son, Michael, to his life. Dick was predeceased by his parents and his siblings (Jerry, Jeanie, and Robert), and his stepdaughter, Tracy (Dan) Adams. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children, Ski, Alissa, and Mike (Brindy), his grandchildren Cheyenne Harris, Alexandrya, Madyson, and Ayden Aguilar, Jerome Harris, a nephew that was like a son to him, nephew David Harris, and two special nieces, Lisa Ross, and Lynn Jennings-Bloxom. and extended family members who will miss him dearly. His family would like to thank his caregiver, Andrea Finnegan-Fosse for the loving, gentle care she gave him during his final year of life.

A memorial service to celebrate Dick's remarkable life will be held August 29, 2024, at 9:00 am at First Evangelical Free Church, 820 N. 30th St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, https://www.hsppr.org/ because of his love for his dog, Indi, or Honor Flight of Southern Colorado, www.honorflightsoco.net.

Dick will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, dear Dick. The twinkle of your blue eyes, and the quick easy smile that captured our hearts will always be with us!