Ben Harris

August 22, 1916—December 31, 2012
Ben Harris was born August 22, 1916 in Seattle, Wash. — On Monday, December 31, 2012, we experienced a great loss with his passing. In his 96 years of life, he was a loving husband, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, successful businessman, and an accomplished athlete.
A graduate of Garfield High School, Ben competed and won many state and regional championships in baseball, basketball and tennis. He cultivated a discipline of hard work, practice and love for sports, which he seemed to naturally excel in. He was married to Shirley Oseran Harris for 64 years, until her sudden passing from an aggressive cancer 10 years ago. She was his one and only love.
Ben worked hard building a family-owned furniture store, Harris Furniture, with his brother Hymie. Together, they established one of the most successful family-owned businesses for over 40 years on the Eastside. Ben tried to retire several times, but still had the urge to keep selling. He came out of retirement twice: First to work at Frederick & Nelson’s and then to work at Greenbaum Home Furnishings. He kept his sales career going strong until the age of 90. He then finally decided to retire so he could devote his time to mastering the game of golf. Ben became the oldest golfer at Glendale Golf and Country Club, to still carry his clubs at the age of 93, rather than using an electric cart, on the 18-hole golf course.
Ben is survived by three children; son Bill and his wife, Judy Harris; daughter Jacqueline Harris Curran; and son, Robert Harris. Also included are six grandchildren: Tony and his wife Stephanie Harris, Matt and his wife Maja Hansen, granddaughter, Molly Sherer and her husband Charles, grandson Andrew Harris. He is also survived by granddaughter Maryl Curran Widdows and her husband Dominic and granddaughter Celia Curran. There are six great-grandchildren: Elinor and Carina Widdows, Tori and Bentley Harris, Mila Hansen-Harris, and Hannah Sherer.
Donations in honor of Ben Harris are being directed by the family to the Caroline Kline Galland Home, an organization that provides services and outreach to Jewish seniors in Seattle, including managed care and assisted living at The Summit at First Hill, where Ben was well-looked-after in his last years: The Caroline Kline Galland Home, 7500 Seward Park Ave S., Seattle, WA 98118.