Obituary: Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., 90, Hood River

Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., age 90, passed away at his Hood River home in the company of his daughters on the evening of August 11, 2026.  Following his birth on August 25, 1935, in Columbus, Kansas, Bud would go on to enjoy many roles throughout his life, including loving husband, devoted father, brother, uncle, grandpa, and dear friend.

Bud’s childhood was one of humble beginnings, and the outdoors was his playground.  He loved to share fond memories of his parents (Clarence Edward Harris, Sr., and Ada Elizabeth Kapple) and his brother (Thomas) as they homesteaded from Kansas to California to Oregon.  His childhood was filled with many moves, but he always found ways to fish, hunt, and roughneck in the wilderness.  The family eventually landed in Grants Pass, Oregon, where they occupied an off-the-grid, one-room log cabin, complete with a “2-holer” out back!

During his junior year of high school, he fell in love with his lifelong partner, Mary Anne Miller, and despite his reputation for shooting squirrels, being a fishing addict, and having a propensity for stealing watermelons, she loved him back!  The two were (according to Bud) attached at the hip from then on.

Not long after graduating from Grants Pass High School, Clarence enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1954, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and he was decorated as an expert marksman.  He was such an excellent shooter that he represented the USMC as a member of its military service marksmen team.  It was also during this enlistment that he earned the nickname “Bud,” which stayed with him for his entire life.

The USMC left a lasting impression on him, but Bud would tell you that the greatest event of his life also happened in 1954.  That was when he and Mary eloped to Las Vegas and began their lives as husband and wife.  After separating from active service in 1957, the couple made their way to Oakridge, Oregon, where Bud began work for a private company called Columbia Utilities.  His 47-year telecommunications career took him from self-proclaimed “line-crew grunt” all the way up to General Network Manager for Sprint NW Operations.

Bud’s adult life mirrored his childhood with a few moves and a few challenges, but he and Mary remained grounded by raising a family and constantly enjoying the outdoors together.  They welcomed their first daughter, Cheryl Lee, on March 9, 1954; next would come Laurie Renee on March 5, 1959; and finally, Linda Sue on September 16, 1963.  As a family, they found their greatest joys on quiet lakes, sitting around campfires, playing the fiddle, and pioneer-style cooking.  When he was at home, Bud loved spending time in his shop woodworking, hitting the golf course, shooting trap, and enjoying the good company of family and friends.

After retiring from the phone company in September 1994, Bud’s greatest challenge came when Mary suffered a debilitating stroke in April 1995.  Fiercely loyal to the wife he loved, Bud faithfully stayed by her side as her full-time caregiver until she passed in July 2012.  Despite his heartache, Bud still held tight to his deepest loves--God, family, and his little dog, “Maggie.”

It was during the last few years of Bud’s life that he committed himself deeply to his faith.  In his personal notes, he wrote about rededicating his life and soul to the Lord, and he proudly professed his faith by being baptized in the East Fork of the Hood River at the age of 85.  He remained a faithful member of Wy’East Community Church until his passing.

Bud was preceded in death by his spouse, Mary Harris; parents Clarence and Ada Harris; brother Thomas Harris; and his daughter, Cheryl Lee Paasch.  He is survived by daughters Laurie Crosswhite (Scott) and Linda Massingill (Doug); grandchildren Jenny Crosswhite (Daniel Sandoval), Brian Crosswhite (Melissa), Robert Paasch (Molly), Gary Paasch (Elle), Kyle Massingill, Justin Crosswhite; great-grandchildren Aubri Crosswhite; Austin Crosswhite; Scout Paasch; niece Janay Serlick; nephew Thomas Harris, Jr.; and niece Catherine Brown.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at Wy’East Community Church, Pine Grove, 2415 Eastside Rd., Hood River, Oregon.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bud’s memory to the “Hearts of Hospice Fund,” through Wy’East Community Church.  Checks and donations can be made out to “WCC” with “Hearts of Hospice” in the memo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com