Robert Glen Harrison, 88, a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 8, 2010.
He was born on June 26, 1922 in Burlington, Washington, the son of John & Anna (Eyre) Harrison. He was raised in Sedro-Woolley, attending Utopia & Skiyou grade schools and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1940. He attended Mount Vernon Junior College and then a diesel mechanic trade school in Los Angeles.
From 1942 to 1945 he served his country with the U.S. Army. After his discharge he worked at Sears and then Finsen’s service station in Burlington.
In 1949 he was united in marriage to Agnes Stotz in Burlington and together they have made their home in Sedro-Woolley for over 60 years.
Bob worked for Skagit County for several years until going to work for the Sedro-Woolley School District as a bus driver and maintenance man for over 10 years. He then returned working for Skagit County until his retirement in 1982. During all his time working for the county and school district, Bob also operated a farm east of Sedro-Woolley where he raised cattle, crops and hay, so his day always started very early and many times lasting 18 hours long.
He was a 50 year member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and past member of the George Baldridge Post 43 American Legion. He also found time to volunteer his time, serving for over 20 years on the Sedro-Woolley School Board. He served on the Sedro-Woolley city Design & Review Board and was the first president of the Sedro-Woolley Museum.
He was a longtime member of the Cascade 2 Cylinder Club for John Deere tractors, and drove in the S-W 4th of July Parade for many years, serving as the parade Grand Marshall in 1994. He was an inductee into the Sedro-Woolley Hall of Fame and this year was awarded the S-W school’s District Recognition Award for his service. When time allowed he enjoyed camping and tinkering in his shop or on the tractors that were out in the barn.
Robert is survived by his wife, Agnes at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His sons, David Harrison and his wife Janet of Burlington and Mark Harrison and his companion Kerry Emersonof Sedro-Woolley. His daughter, Annette Parker and her husband Gregg of Sedro-Woolley. Eight grandchildren, Jeffry & Bryan Harrison, Jennifer Young (Justin), Joni Jordan (Richie), Jonathan & Michael Harrison and Lenny & Shawna Serfling and one great-grandson, Jacob Young. Two sisters, Betty Johnson of Mount Vernon and Shirley Entrikin of Bow and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Anna and a son, Richard in 1971.
The family suggest that memorials be made to the Harrison Family Scholarship c/o Sedro-Woolley Schools Foundation, PO Box 401, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or a charity of your choice.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Visitation available at and services under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
I will always remember Mr Harrison driving his red Ford Fairlane I think it was a 1964 with a 289 . I met him when I was 15. A Verey good man someone to remember as a good role model.
Uncle Bob was always a wonderful example to me of a truly good man. His love for his God, his family, and his community are to be emulated. Our heartfelt prayers and love to Aunt Agnes and our cousins.
Bob will always be in my heart. What a wonderful man.
Uncle Bob has a special place in my memories as I was growing up. One of my favorite vacations was spent on the Harrison farm and seeing the cows as they were being milked. I will never forget how Uncle Bob saved me from embarassment as I was standing directly behind one of the cows when I heard a “Look out!” and I was swept up out of the on coming path of a extremely unpleasant experience. He was my hero as an eight year old from a small town, and I have always thought of him as that kind of a person who was always looking out for others. We will all miss him and how special he was to each of us. Blessings and condolences to Aunt Agnes and our cousins,
Jeff and Lynna.
While returning to Washington, I always enjoyed stopping by the farm to see Bob and Agnes. You always felt welcome. I wish I could have been there today to help celebrate Bob’s life.
He was a SPECIAL man.
Uncle Bob always facinated me with his stories and his tractor collection. We’ll miss him dearly. Our prayers are with Uncle Bob’s family through their greiving.
God Bless you and Keep you, Uncle Bob.
Dear Agnes and family-So sorry to hear about Bob”s death- our thoughts and prayers are with you-Sincerely, Stan and Florence Thompson
Hello:
I have a special memory of ‘Bob the bus driver’ that I wanted to let his family know about.
I lived in Lyman during the 50’s and had Polio at the age of seven. After spending a long time in the hospital I returned home to live a ‘normal’ life with my family. Being paralyzed from my waist down, I had to wear those dreaded braces and use crutches.
To go to school required the ride on the school bus. First to the Lyman Elementary School. But then I was to go to the Middle School in Sedro-Woolley. As I was getting older arrangements had to be made to get me on and off the bus.
Bob was my bus driver and he would carry me onto the bus and off again. He was always very pleasant and one of the reasons I got to go to school. Things were different then and it it had not been for the nice friendly, helpful ones like him I would never have had the experience of my ‘junior high days’.
I just wanted his family to know what special man I thought he was and how grateful I am for knowing him.
With thoughts and sympathy,
Irene
Bob, will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful comunity leader. Our prayers are with him.All the best to his family.
I had the opportunity to be a guest in the Harrison home on several occasions.Bob and Agnes were so warm and gracious to me.I have the highest regard for both, Bob and Agnes. Everytime I see an old John Deere tractor, or my favorite, his old T-bird, I will think of Of Bob Harrison. We took many trips out to his barn, to take a look at them. He always so proud. My sincere condolences to his family.
I’m sorry to hear this, Bob was a really great fellow. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Our thoughts are with you.
Dennis & Nona Thompson
formerly of Sedro Woolley, now Ritzville, WA
I will never forget the kindness of Mr. Harrison as he drove the bus that brought us back home to NSH after kindergarten. He always was so respectful of us as little ones that I have often placed him in the little list of people who have influenced me early on in a positive way. His quiet strength was very comforting to little ones traveling from the big town of Sedro-Woolley back to the cloistered rural hospital grounds. He most certainly has an honored place in the heart of God.
Bob was a wonderful man and uncle, we will miss him.
My prayers are with the family during their grieving for husband and father who was so dearly loved by all. God go with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stephanie