Obituary of Gilbert D. Harris

Gilbert D. Harris (59) resident of Emida, ID died Feb. 4, 2013 at his home on Sanders Road from an apparent heart attack. He was born Feb. 18, 1953 fifteen minutes ahead of his twin brother to Charles and Flora (Lienhard) Harris at Orofino, ID. He spent the first three years of his life at Southwick, ID. His father died at that time and the family moved to the Rock Creek area near Potlatch, ID. He graduated from Potlatch High School with the class of 1971. He and his brother enlisted in the U.S. Navy following graduation. They served in Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Turner Joy DD 951 and were aboard when the last shell was fired at the end of the War. He was discharged in 1975 and attended North Idaho College before going to Bozeman, MT and studied Horseshoeing at MSU. He then attended the Univ. of Idaho where he received his B.S. Degree in Plant Science in 1980. He worked for Palouse Seed at Tekoa and moved in to take care of the Dippel Ranch on Sanders Road . He married Debra Ryken in 1983. The marriage ended in divorce a short time later. He has lived on the Dippel Ranch near Emida ever since. He tended to fence building and raising cattle. Gil enjoyed woodworking, blacksmithing, horses and collecting antique farm equipment. He also enjoyed photography. Gil drank a lot of tea and ate cookies provided by area children who loved him. He was always available to help his neighbors and friends Gil was a member of the Benewah Soil and Water Conservation District and served on the Emida Fire District Board. He is survived by his son Daniel Harris of Coeur d' Alene, ID, his life partner Corinne Kinman of Potlatch, ID. Also surviving are brothers and wives Delbert and Sheila Harris of Kendrick, ID, Dave and Eddie Harris and Brother-in-law Terry Smith all of Potlatch, ID. Gil is also survived by Sisters Shirley and husband Pete Lane of Grangeville, ID, Linda Waters of Hillsboro, OR and Jill and husband Wally Hattan of Colfax, WA. And numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marilyn Smith. A "Informal" celebration of his life will be Wednesday Feb. 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Palouse Divide Lodge formerly North South Ski Bowl, MP.23, Hwy 6 S. A potluck reception will follow services . For information on Potluck, call Shirley at 208-245-3552. Visit his online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Gilbert Harris's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.