Philip Harris

Philip R. Harris of Fairfield, MT passed away peacefully after 10 years of dementia, at his home April 26, 2016.

A celebration of life will be held May 6, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Choteau, MT, followed by an internment at the family home five miles west of Fairfield, MT at sunset.

Philip was born July 27, 1941 in Fairfield, MT to Clifton (Dick) Harris and Betty Duffy Harris. He was oldest of four children. Philip graduated high school from Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman in 1960 and went on to Graduate from Walla Walla University with a major in business and a minor in biology in 1964. While in college he met, fell in love with Arlene Joyce Ausmus through their common faith, bird watching and rock collecting interests. The couple was married in Burns, Oregon September 6, 1964.

Philip was drafted into the Vietnam War in December of 1966 and was deployed to Germany. Philip's wife Arlene moved to Germany to be with him and the pair enjoyed traveling in many countries on his days off work as a medic in the Army hospital.

Philip and Arlene were blessed with four sons. Derik, Darin, Dallas and Denver Harris. Together they enjoyed traveling to many countries. He ranched in partnership with his parents and brother Keith, west of Fairfield until 2011. He loved his life work. It was his dream to be a rancher since he was five years old. He was also a co-owner of Superior Business Equipment in Great Falls for over 30 years. Philip had many interests. He loved raising cows and sheep, all the farm work, including flood irrigating, riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers, hiking in the mountains and collecting special rocks. He was an avid horticulturist and thoroughly enjoyed growing his fruit tree orchard as well as many other plants including gladiolus, peonies, irises and lilacs. He was an active member of the Seventh- day Adventist Church where he was head Elder for many years.

Philip is survived by his loving wife Arlene Harris of Fairfield, MT, his brother Keith (Gayle) Harris of Fairfield, MT and his sister Louella (Ted) Schultz of Fairfield, MT and many nieces and nephews. His four sons, Derik Harris of Auburn, WA; Darin Harris of Kalispell, MT; Dallas (Melisa) Harris of Fairfield, MT and Denver (Elizabeth) Harris of Fairfield, MT as well as 6 grandchildren, Ethan, Elena, Logan, Ryleah, Weston, Emmett Harris, and one grandson which is on the way.

Philip was preceded in death by his father C.R. Harris and his brother Wesley Harris.

Condolences may be left on line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com