Louis Eugene Harris

Lt. Col. Louis E. ""Gene"" Harris, ret, 92, of Arvada, Colorado passed away peacefully on December 6, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Miriam ""Mickee"" Harris, his three daughters, Jill Garruto, Teri Harris, Heidi Oaklief, son-in-law Joe Garruto, eight grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren, brother, Arthur Harris and sister, Beth Taylor. Gene was born on July 24, 1917, in Mapleton, UT. He was the son of Loring A. and Mary Luella Harris of Provo, UT who preceded him in death. His brother Norman and two sisters, Lucille and Mary Lou also preceded him in death. Gene graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Physics and Math. He had a keen intellect and pursued many opportunities to increase his knowledge in all areas of his life. He was an accomplished athlete in many sports but devoted much of his time to the game of golf. He later served as President of Rolling Hills Country Club, Golden, CO. Gene was a career officer who served honorably in the United States Air Force for 22 years. He became a nuclear physicist while training at Los Alamos, N.M. and continued with the USAF Strategic Air Command while stationed at Brize Norton Air Base, England and as military assigned to the Atomic Energy Commission, Washington D.C. He later retired while at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, CO. Upon retiring from military service, he became an engineer in his same field for Rocky Flats, Colorado where he served for many years in several different departments always with distinction and honor. He was a responsible and dependable son, brother, husband, father and grandfather who always looked after the needs of his family and provided them with a comfortable and safe home life. He was an Eagle Scout and a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held on Friday, December 11th from 2:00-4:00pm, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, CO. 80229. An additional viewing will be held on Monday, December 14th from 11:00am-1:00pm, at Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah 84058. Graveside services will be at Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Utah at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517 OR online at: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/view/627/924/ To share memories of Gene and condolences with his family, please click on the ""sign guestbook"" tab below.