Arden Joseph Harris

Arden Joseph Harris, 95, of Ririe, died Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Mountain Ridge Assisted Living in South Ogden, Utah. Arden was born October 17, 1920 just outside of Ririe, Idaho to Ransom Enoch Harris and Martha Elizabeth Morris Harris. Our amazing Dad lived a long and very fulfilling life that began on his family’s ranch home, which he eventually bought from his parents. Arden grew up on the farm where he farmed, milked cows, and overcame the Great Depression. He loved learning, excelled in academics, and graduated as Valedictorian of Ririe High School. At 18, Arden attended Utah State. He later transferred to, and graduated from, the University of Idaho. It was there he got the nickname “Shorty”. He belonged to ROTC, SAE Fraternity, and the wrestling team. Boxing was his favorite sport. Arden served honorably in WWII in the Navy Air. As a Gunner Mate, Arden shot down one enemy plane over the Pacific Ocean in the Aleutian Islands battle by Alaska. After WWII Arden served as the County Agent for Jefferson County in a co-op program. He was well-known in the county for his agricultural expertise. While visiting Washington DC as a representative of the Idaho Dairyman’s Association, Idaho Senator Dworshak recommended he apply to be an agricultural extension agent in what became the USAID Program of the State Department. Arden’s first assignment was in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He worked as a field agent with an office in the American Consulate. At the Consulate he met the love of his life, Elza Cabral Moreira da Silva, and married on May 30, 1960. Through Arden’s USAID work they spent the first 12 years of their married life in Sudan and Nigeria, Africa raising their four children. In 1975 he retired, and moved the family to Ririe, Idaho. Arden returned to his favorite occupation and continued to farm for 20 more years. Never one to shy away from hard work he genuinely loved the opportunity to bring life from the soil. Arden used to say a farmer is an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and harvester all in one. He was a member of the Ririe Lions Club and was credited with bringing tennis courts to Ririe. Among his many talents (he played the accordion and clarinet in a band, and was a billiards champion), Arden was also a dear friend and beloved uncle. His greatest legacy is as the best husband, father, grandpa and great-grandfather. Loved so very much by all. Preceeded by: his wife Elza. His parents: R.E. and Martha Elizabeth Harris. His siblings: Edwin, Elva, Arthur, Rita, John, and June. Survivors include: his children: Robert (Sherry) Harris, Burke, VA; Marie Richards, Mtn. Green, UT; Patricia Harris, San Luis Obispo, CA and Nancy Scharris, Tucker, GA, grandchildren: Adam, Kate, Elizabeth, Carly, Abbie and Elena Marie, and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Ririe Perry Ward Chapel, 285 2nd West, Ririe, Idaho, Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Ririe Perry Ward Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Alzheimers Research Fund, www.alz.org.