Thomas W Harris

Thomas William Harris, 82, was born to  George H. and Melba Tipton Harris on Dec. 30, 1938 in Nampa, ID.  He passed away March 4, 2021 in Boise, ID due to emphysema and covid 19 complications.  He attended Riverside, Marsing, and Melba Schools. He played sports most of his school years, excelling in baseball and football.  He was very proud that his parents supported him in all his activities.  He was president of his high school class all four years.  Tom graduated in 1957, there were few in his class, but they stayed close even to this day through reunions.  Tom thought fondly of all his classmates.  They sure got into some antics together!
Tom joined the Air Force in 1961.  He took pride in his work with them all 28 years of his career.  Tom spent a total of seven years on unaccompanied foreign tours.  He was a Viet Nam veteran of 1968.  He arrived in Saigon during the Tet Offensive, one of the worst periods in the war.  He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sgt. Tom retired from the AF in 1989; he was a very patriotic, flag saluting American.  He worked another 15 years for the USPS. 
Tom liked to BBQ, garden (he started a new garden every place we lived), canning his own grape juice, growing roses, golf, BSU football, taking grandkids and Mark to breakfast, going to the kids and grandchildren's concerts and activities.  He also had great joy in watching his young grandchildren playing in our home.  He immensely loved and was proud of each and every one of his family.
Tom had many serious health challenges throughout his life from polio, broken bones, heart surgery, and lung problems to name a few.  He met each challenge without complaint, and with determination to overcome them.  He was always stoic and brave; and he had true grit.  To illustrate, after shoulder surgery, when he was unable to receive the nerve block he needed, he was in tremendous pain they could not control even with IV meds.  He loudly said, "Come on you coward!"  I asked who he was speaking to and he said, "myself".
Tom leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Karen Freshour Harris; his children, Shane, Bonnie Harris Hart, Michelle, and Mark Harris.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zach Harris, Kaila Harris Anderson, Madison Harris, Caden Harris, Matthew, Sarah, Rachel and Nathan Hart, Lynsie Harris, William, Preelie, Jonathan, and Charles Harris and  great  grandchildren Bradley and Hayden Harris.  He is also survived by his brother, Richard L. Harris and numerous devoted nephews, nieces and cousins.  He was predeceased by his parents, a sister and a brother.