Gene Fredrick Harris, 78

Life Legacy

Gene Fredrick Harris, 78, died May 2, 2015, at home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Gene served in the Army Reserves, was a member of the Orchid Society, and worked as a PBX repairman in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was strong and athletic, enjoying most outdoor sports. Gene especially liked tennis, camping, backpacking and scuba diving.

Gene moved to Coeur d'Alene after his wife, Carolyn "Lynn," passed away in 2003. A naturalist and sublime romantic at heart, Gene opened the world of nature to those who knew him in memorable ways.

First with his parents, Eugene and Hope, Gene earned the nickname "See-at!" by constantly pointing to creatures, unnoticed. This he did from the time he could make himself understood. Secondly as a newly-wed, Gene introduced his bride to his "other loves" by way of his lunch box, out of which Lynn became acquainted with a vast array of natural wonders. The first gift was a frog, happily liberated when she opened his lunch box. Another memorable, natural revelation to friends and family was inspired by Gene's oceanic love expressed in his home. He framed a coral reef in his living-room wall by using a large aquarium full of diverse marine creatures. Proof of how well he reproduced their niche was seen in living color as we viewed marine life, displaying natural behaviors, thriving, vibrant. And like an artist leaving his signature were the peculiar creatures, too, hidden and camouflaged, requiring a hunter's eye.

True soul-mates bringing out the best in each other, Gene and Lynn's relationship was remarkably inspiring, making them refreshing to be around. Gene is best remembered by the sublime lover's dance he and Lynn waltzed through life 'til her passing in 2003. Always a planner, Gene acquired a beautifully crafted, companion urn and so they are together now.

In his granddaughter's words, "Gene was dependable and a genuinely honest man. He said what he meant and meant what he said. Gene loved greatly and continues to be greatly loved." Trying to encapsulate his life in few words she decided, "There just aren't any words that come close ... really the ET finger is the way to go ... no words at all ... "

Furthermore, "Gene's life is celebrated and continues through his children: SuZanne Wilson and Michael Harris; grandchildren Nicole House, Craig Harris and Philip Wilson; great-grandchildren Meghan Packard, Courtney Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Christiana House and Nicholas House."

At Gene's request, no funeral services will be performed. A family gathering to celebrate his life will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015. Persons interested in attending should contact a family member.

Family or friends wishing to make a memorial in Gene's name are encouraged to do so with the conservation or orchid society of their choice.

Please sign and view Gene's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.