Patrick Harris

Patrick Byron Harris was born on October 13, 1939, to Virginia and Byron Harris at their home on Otter Creek, outside of La Farge, WI. He was the first of three kids. He passed away Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, at his home in Missoula, MT.

Pat got his mom's permission and joined the service at the age of 17. He served on the USS Walker DDE 517 for 4 years. Upon his return to La Farge he met and married Judie Jacobson in August of 1961. Most of their married life was spent on the farm on Bear Creek. They had 2 children, Suzie and Doug. He had a Massey Ferguson business with his cousin Barney Huffar in Viola for a few years but went back to driving a long-haul semi for Warren Transport and Art Nelson for many, many years.

Pat and Judie divorced in 1980 and he moved to Missoula, MT where he met and later married Geraldine (Beanie) Martin. They were married in the fall of 1981 and were together until her passing in 2019. They lived above Lolo, MT for a few years and later moved into Missoula when the commute to town "got to be a bit much in the winter". He worked at Independent Lumber for many years before he retired.

Pat enjoyed family, friends and John Wayne, going bowling with Beanie, going out to Double Front Chicken and Friday night dinners with friends. He loved his guns and hunting - everything from Elk hunting to gopher shooting with his best friend Verlin. Many a trip was made to Wyoming to pluck them off the land. In his later years he also started hand loading his own ammo. He also enjoyed rebuilding a variety of trucks....

His neighbors knew his generosity as he mowed their lawns in the summer and plowed their driveways and sidewalks in the winter.

He was preceded in death by his mom Virginia (Strait - Harris) Brown, Father Byron Harris and stepfather Frank Brown; his sister and brother-in-law Martha and William (Bill) Olson; his brother Paul David Harris and his wife of 38 years Geraldine (Beanie) Harris as well as 2 nephews.

He is survived by his children, step sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren: daughter Suzan Harris ( significant other Dennis Whiting) and her sons Daniel Williams and Cody Harris; son Douglas Harris and his three children - Tessa Harris ( significant other Mike) and her children Payslee, Waylon and Braxley Harris, Virginia Harris and Lane Harris; step son Larry Martin, his wife Colleen and their son Nicholas as well as step son Gary Martin and his children - Jimmy, Kayla Beth and her children Silas and Kitty (Rhyder) and Dylan (Shenna) and their son Dylante. There are also many other nieces, nephews and "adopted/heart" family members.

Pat made many friends over the years - all across this country and he will be well remembered and missed. Rest in Peace Patrick.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday July 13th at his home in Missoula from noon to 6 pm.