Kenneth Harris

Kenneth Eugene Harris

1929-2-16

Kenneth Eugene Harris, 86 of Salt Lake City, Utah and a former resident of Bountiful, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2016.  He was born June 17, 1929 at Driggs, Idaho to Ammon and Ivy LaRie (Hochstrasser) Harris in the family home. The family moved to Tenino, Washington where Ken was raised and educated. Later in life the family moved to Tacoma where he would live off and on for many years.

He married Evelyn Williams on June 5, 1948 in Washington and had a son.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean war, as a photographer at White Sands Proving Grounds, where he enjoyed taking pictures of the rockets, missiles and other military hardware being tested at the installation.

He married Phyllis Hopton on July 24, 1954 in New Jersey and had a daughter.

After his honorable discharge from the Army he worked as a bank teller, where he met and eventually married Angela Rose "Jill" Mastrodomenico on March 22, 1958 in Montclair, New Jersey. Together they had three children. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on July 9, 1965.

Dad followed in his parents footsteps and worked as a cook, and for a time owned a cafe in Tacoma where Jill worked with him. As a professional photographer he worked in a portrait studio in Utah and as an industrial photographer in New Jersey. He also worked as a butcher, a janitor, a delivery truck driver and as a janitorial supply salesman.

When he wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing the ukulele. He was an exceptional self-taught ukulele player, and while living in New Jersey he had the opportunity to take lessons from the world famous Roy Smeck, who he had always admired. Before long Roy told him that he had taught him everything he knew. They maintained their friendship for many years after the lessons were over. He made two appearances on the Eugene Jelesnik Talent Showcase television show which was broadcast from KSL in Salt Lake City. Using his talents he entertained many people in various wards and schools through the years.

Ken was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings in his life. He served as a Sunday School teacher and as a Stake missionary, among other callings.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jill, on November 24, 2009. Just four days before his death he told his children that he just wanted to go be with Jill and that he was ready.

Ken is survived by 1 daughter and 4 sons, Alan of Arizona, LaRie (Bruce) Malley of North Arlington, New Jersey, Vincent (Ligia) of Thatcher, Utah, Wayne (Debbie) of Cashmere, Washington and Ammon (Petra) of Salt Lake City, 1 sister, Barbara (Doug) DeHaan of Gold Canyon, Arizona and 2 brothers, Gaylen (Janelle) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Jerry (Claire) of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 25th at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, with a  viewing on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and an hour prior to the service on Monday.  Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com