Kenneth Harris

Kenneth Harris

1926 – 2016

Nearly making it to age 90, Kenneth Harris passed away peacefully early in the morning of January 12, 2016. He was born February 14, 1926 in Randlett, Utah to Leonard and Martha Kitchen Harris.  He learned the value of work during his youth and never forgot his Uintah Basin roots.  On February 28, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart Delphia Ilene Collins in the Salt Lake Temple.  After 57 years of marriage, Delphia passed away in 2004.   On October 8, 2005, Ken married Donna Jean Frost to whom we express deep gratitude for being a loyal and loving companion to our father.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Ken was educated by the school of hard knocks.  He attended public schools in Ouray, Fort Duchesne and Roosevelt and graduated from what was then Roosevelt High School where he was student body president.  He excelled in track and field and was a state champion in both the 100 yard dash and the broad jump, setting a state record in that event. After serving honorably in the United States Navy during World War II, he completed his education at the University of Utah, where he obtained bachelors and masters degrees.

He had an amazing work ethic and always had a part-time job, though by profession Ken was an educator.  He taught elementary school in Whittier, California, Altamont, Utah, and Salt Lake City.  As an elementary school principal in the Salt Lake City School District, he had a profound influence on many teachers and thousands of young students.  Though many of his students tried, none of them could ever defeat him in a foot race or a push-up contest.

Ken was dedicated to serving family, church and community.  He was a patriot and always voted.  He was a faithful high priest in the LDS Church, serving wherever he could.  For many years, he was a Boy Scout leader and for his service, he was awarded the Silver Beaver by Boy Scouts of America.  He served in a number of bishoprics both as a councilor and as a bishop and he served as a councilor in a stake presidency.  He was a faithful home teacher.  Ken and Delphia served three missions; Boston, Washington D.C. (temple), and Denver (temple).

He is survived by wife Donna, children LaRue Campbell (Fred), Janet Owens (Lenard), Karla LaMunyon (Rod), David (Kelly); 15 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and a brother, Von.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Delphia, a son-in law Brent Skinner, eight brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Stonecreek LDS Ward Chapel located at 1476 North 300 West, Bountiful, Utah.  A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service.  Interment – Bountiful City Cemetery.