Edward Whitman Harrison

Edward Whitman Harrison, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, grandpa-great, and friend passed away on April 19, 2022. He was born on December 24, 1930, to Alfred and Edrie Whitman Harrison in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ed was the youngest of 3 children with 2 older sisters who decided he was a great toy to receive for Christmas. He said they spoiled him his whole life. He grew up in a close family who worked, played, and prayed together. He learned the trade of meat cutting from his father in Harrison’s Market (later called Harrison’s IGA). His parents owned and worked in the grocery business for many years. He also learned building skills from his dad and grandfather and helped to build a couple apartments on his dad’s property.
As a student he learned to play the alto horn, baritone horn, and eventually the trombone. He participated in a small dance band and in a church Sunday School orchestra. He had a love of big band music. He loved to whistle, sing, and dance with his sweetheart. He had a very pleasant singing voice and was always an active participant in the ward choir his entire adult life.
He had many friends and cousins that he had fond memories of. One of these friends had a little sister – LaRae Charlotte Birch -that he thought was the cutest girl he’d ever seen! They spent time together and became sweethearts through their high school years. On January 18, 1951, Ed and LaRae were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted into the Army to serve in Korea for 2 years. He was not able to be with LaRae when their first child was born and wasn’t able to meet his son Kevin until he was 18 months old. This was very hard on both of them, and it was a long 2 years. Upon returning from Korea, he began the search to find work that would support his family. He worked as a meat cutter for Safeway for a few years, deciding to leave when he was required to work every Sunday. He then joined Appliance Service Center as a small appliance repair man. He stayed with them until retirement.
Ed and LaRae had an eternal love and devotion for each other and were such a good example to their 7 children. They never stopped being sweethearts. Friends and family suggested they were still on their honeymoon after 60+ years of marriage. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to find them fox trotting in the kitchen. They never failed to hold hands during mealtime prayers and ended their prayers with a sweet kiss. While they were still healthy, they enjoyed long walks together, always holding hands. They were famous for their ‘love glove’. His devotion to LaRae was so strong that he insisted on being the major caregiver to her when she developed dementia, taking over the cooking, cleaning, and daily care.
He was a deeply spiritual man and was devoted to his Savior Jesus Christ and to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many capacities. He taught his family that you served where you are called. He served in the Young Men’s Programs for many years on both the ward and stake level. He loved the youth, and they loved him. He also served as Bishop and on the Stake High Council. He loved the temple and attended often. He supported LaRae in her service as well. Ed and LaRae chose to serve 3 missions in their “retirement”, the first to the Cleveland Ohio Mission helping in the office. About a year later they returned to the same mission, this time to serve in the LDS historical sights of Kirtland. They loved working with the young missionaries, and it wasn’t long before the missionaries were using LaRae’s term of endearment of “Honey” for Ed, calling him Elder Honey. Their experience was so dear to them. The 3rd mission lasted for many years. They served as missionaries at the LDS Family History Library. They loved this opportunity and talked a lot about the wonderful things they learned and participated in, including being guides during the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Ed especially loved the time he spent at the Library. He had a passion for this work and loved the people he worked with and was able to help with their searches. They continued at the Library until they were not physically able to go any more.
He used his carpentry skills to lovingly make gifts for grandchildren to enjoy and will be remembered for them. He also was the ‘go to guy’ for all the Relief Society Activity Day wood projects. He was not afraid to try any home remodels, from finishing the basement to adding a pitched roof on a flat roofed house, and even sacrificed a few fingers on one project!
Ed is preceded in death by his sweetheart LaRae Charlotte Birch Harrison, his parents Alfred and Edrie Whitman Harrison, his sisters Ruth and Aleen, his daughter-in-law Melody Harrison and granddaughter Shannon Zabriskie. He is survived by his children Kevin and wife Noreen Harrison, Leslie and husband Noal Zabriskie, Lynnette and husband Carl Law, Charleen and husband Ken Bush, Kurt Harrison, KayLee and husband Brent Gifford, Kyle and wife Monica Harrison, 24 cherished grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
We will miss the best hugs in the world, your smile, your unconditional love, and acceptance of all who joined the family, from friends to spouses. We love you Dad and will miss you; however, we are happy to know that you and Mom are together again – hopefully walking around a block somewhere holding hands and catching up on your time apart.
We will be forever grateful for Abbey, Tina, and the rest of his Dignity Hospice Caregivers. We also express our appreciation for dear Valorie and the other staff members at Barton Creek Assisted Living.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, where a viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services.
Services will be broadcast through Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook page and this obituary page.